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[Alex Binnie]

Hi Alfisti,

My 33 will not go into 2nd gear. It is like something is blocking the synchro ring moving back onto the gear. Is this a strip down job, or what?
The other gears are fine, and the box is quiet. Recently had new clutch which is also fine. The car is on 199k and going well.

All suggestions welcome.

[mg907]

Hi Alex
Only to say you that I had a similar problem with another car and it was a ring with three big teeth on it that was broken (I do not know its name).
I stripped the gearbox but I was not confident to reassembly it correctly so a preferred to buy a new/old box from a breaker.

But before all I think it makes sense to check the linkage of the gear lever.

Mario

[eagle3]

2nd gear synchro known to be a bit fragile..
_________________
Alfa33 QO 1984
Alfa33 1.3i.e. 1994

[Alex Binnie]

Today, the box got worse and I now have only 1st gear. I am on the hunt for a decent box from somewhere in New Zealand. There must be one somewhere near here.

It made a funny noise again and then would not go into any gear except 1st. Obviously, something broke and made things worse.

Thanks for your replies. Most appreciated.

Alex.

[Alex Binnie]

Me again with a question. There is a box from a 146. Will it fit with some minor mods? The linkage is cable operated.

Has anybody ever done this?

Ciao,

Alex.

[Bobkelso]

Hi,
I didn't try, so only an opinion:
I think all the linkage system can be removed and changed
with the original from 33, you have to swap also the small command
head on the end of command shaft that exit the gear box.
(I think about for some time because I was interested in doing the reverse operation,
getting the cable system on my 33 as a plus, to move the gear lever 7-8 cm back,
more near the driver, but not having the 146 cables system at the moment
I only modified a little the 33 system)

To verify about 146 gear box:
- I don't remember if the extra lateral supports of the 146 gear
can be removed or if they give some problems on a 33.
- if the sonic sensor near the differential for speedometer
can be easily swap with the one from 33 (probably yes)
- if it is from 1.3 146 it could have too much short gear ratio

Plus:
- 146 gear box should have a better syncro system
for 1th and 2th speed than 33 gear box (small evolutions in the inside);
- the cable system, also without modification, don't fail.
_________________
Alfa 33

[Alex Binnie]

Problem solved by fitting another 2nd hand box. I will now have time to dismantle the old box and try to recondition it. Meanwhile, I am enjoying having a good set of cogs down below.

Thanks to all who have offered helpful advice.

Alex.

[Alex Binnie]

Me again. While fitting new hoses, thermostst, etc, to the motor while it was out of the car, I looked down the inlet manifold openings and was pleased to see that all the inlet valves, etc, were sparkling clean. Since I have been using that fuel which claims to clean your engine as you drive, I can confirm that it does seem to work. In my experience of dismantling engines over the years, I have normally found inlet valves to be quite gunged up.

Hope this is of some interest.

Alex.