furry gearbox drain plugs

[Keithver]

I have done 3500 km since the rebuild of my S2 1,3. I am busy with the service. Part of which is changing the gearbox oil. Should I be worried about the furies on my gearbox drain plugs. 2nd gear grinds slightly when selecting until it has warmed up which happens quickly. After that no more grinding. The box was rebuilt as part of the restoration - new bearings, seals etc.

[chriswgawne]

If it were me I would clean up the magnetic drain plug and fill with new oil. Then inspect again after 500 miles say. Hopefully ( if you are lucky)  the swarf is from the reason that you needed a gearbox rebuild in the first place.
But if there is still swarf on the drain plug it will ruin your bearings over time and further inspection will be required.
Good luck.
Chris

[lancialulu]

I have just had 2 Fulvia gearboxes  to rebuild as both presented xmas tree  magnetic plugs on doing an oil change (one  was my car and I knew it had a problem noise, the other a friends car that made no noise but has precious little syncromesh on1,2, or 3).My gearbox rear main shaft bearing cage had broken up but miraculously did no further damage. The other gearbox was a write off as 3rd was missing most of its teeth and1st and second where not much better. 4 synchro rings were less than min spec also.

I would say it is would be wise to pull the gearbox and split it....

[Spider2]

That does look a bit excessive but maybe not after a rebuild?? I am all for easy options and agree a drain, fresh oil and a recheck after 500 miles would be safe. On a related subject; reading one of Huib's posts on Viva Lancia, apparently using Millers synthetic CRX75W90 oil in the gearbox results in smoother and quicker changes, especially when cold. Not tried it yet but I will soon. Expensive at about £70 for 5 litres but I guess maybe worth it if it alleviates the 1st to 2nd problem I have when cold.

[nistri]

I always use 75W-90 gear oil from reputable manufacturers for all my Fulvias. Prices vary but are about 16-17 euros/liter. The box takes 2.7 liters. Never had any problems over many years and long trips.

[lancialulu]

I have used 75/90 Mobil 1 SCH fully synthetic for last 20 years.

If you know about Fulvia gear boxes when the synchros stop working (even partially) the small engagement teeth of the gears take a hammering which is generally where the swarf is generated.

[Keithver]

Thanks for the advice guys. Tim, I know the sensible thing is to take the box out and inspect - the prospect fills me with dread to be honest. Ive only just begun to drive the car properly and enjoy it to the full. I think I'll drain the box oil in 500 miles and take a view then.
Thanks again all. Your advice is always much appreciated

[Spider2]

Let us know the results in 500 miles. Fingers crossed. Hoping to visit the Cape wine lands either this autumn or 2025

[lancialulu]

So long as you don't push the synchromesh (no crunching of gears). It should be OK but look at the attached photo where the engagement teeth are missing. The synchro was so worn (made of brass so no evidence on magnetic plug) that crunching the gears just knocked the little teeth off - it is these teeth that transfer the power - when they are all gone you have no gear and a lot of shrapnel destroying the box.

[HBG]

It's an aspiration of mine to understand how gearboxes work.....Tim, next time you have one open, can I come and have a look?

[LCR1967]

Not furry drain plug related but on the topic of gearboxes.

My S1 has been parked on my drive for 6 months as I completly strip it for respraying. Recently, the car had to be moved and started up without a problem. But it would not go into any gear. In the end I had to start the car in gear, with the clutch depressed, and then release the clutch, which felt quite violent. This did the trick and each gear was easily selected.

Anyone have any ideas what was partically ceased and may need some intermittent maintenance. The car will probably be off the road until the end of this year.

[lancialulu]

Clutch friction plate stuck to flywheel.  Happens in damp environments. Also rusting of the input shaft due to lack of greasing (on assembly) prevents clutch plate moving back. yes it is violent...

[LCR1967]

Clutch friction plate stuck to flywheel.  Happens in damp environments. Also rusting of the input shaft due to lack of greasing (on assembly) prevents clutch plate moving back. yes it is violent...

Thanks. I can confirm that Northern Germany is a damp environment

[lancianut666]

You might free it off with some WD40 or similar squirted into the various orifices on the gearbox. as said above it will be the clutch plate or the splines a new clutch friction plate at least to sort.
Clarkey

[lancialulu]

You might free it off with some WD40 or similar squirted into the various orifices on the gearbox. as said above it will be the clutch plate or the splines a new clutch friction plate at least to sort.
Clarkey

I have had this happen to me on various Lancias and never had to replace parts. It is an unsellting bang as it frees but thats it….. And I drive my Lancias afterwards