Alfa Pages

[Dr A. 33 1.5IE]

Hi again,

Here in Cyprus summer is settling in really nicely (37 degrees Celsius today) and so chasing for a bit of a shaded parking area has become a necessity.

Anyway, what I have noticed is that in the morning and in general when the car has cooled down that gear changes are an easy and smooth task but as soon as the car warms up either in traffic or after a long trip gear changes up to third gear become a bit more sticky and a bit harder to execute.

Of course the gearbox oil warms up but is that the answer?

Is there a way to improve gear changes - a better gear box oil that I should try for example?

Thanks again
_________________
1994 Alfa 33 1.5 IE Cat. 220.000Kms and still going strong!!! (Από την Αθήνα και τώρα στην Λευκωσία)

[gritsop]

Hi,

Looks like I also experience the same problem with you. If the car has run hot after traffic I have problem engaging the first three gears.

I haven't dealt with this issue yet but for sure I always try to avoid heavy traffic with the 33... However I haven't noticed any problem after a long trip; looks like the 33 likes to be driven in the open road and not bumper to bumper traffic.

Regards,
_________________
Thanassis Gritsopoulos
1991 Alfa 33 1.4 IE
2001 Alfa 147 1.6 Distinctive

http://www.alfa-restoration.co.uk
Parts Shop: www.alfa-restoration.co.uk/shop

[tvatavuk]

Hi both
temperatures here today also reached 35-37C.
Generaly some gearbox additive, or semi gearbox oil would give better results. This is mainly on winter and subzero C but there are also improvements on warm.
_________________
Tino Vatavuk
Little black dress which replaced Alfa Romeo 33 S 16v Permanent 4 GMo

[Dr A. 33 1.5IE]

Hello again,

yes the idea of a gearbox oil additive is something that easily comes to mind but on the other hand I 've heard stories about people that have used racing oriented gearbox oil on their Alfa's with very bad results for their pockets as their gearboxes soon after gave up their spirits.

Has anyone else used an gearbox oil additive and has seen any improvements or drawbacks???

Thanks
_________________
1994 Alfa 33 1.5 IE Cat. 220.000Kms and still going strong!!! (Από την Αθήνα και τώρα στην Λευκωσία)

[tvatavuk]

I don't know about racing gearbox oils.
for last 7 years or so I use full synt Castrol TAF-X 75w90 which has right API norm as AR factory prescribed.
Some people used Mobil fully synth others used gearbox aditives. Only problem known to me was once when old oil reacted with new oil making gearchange very problematic, owner flushed gearbox oil, put in some new one and no problems.
On other brands I know of rear diff problems on brand new M3s when factory decided to change minearal for fully synt, it would start making trouble in around 30k-60k km. After new diff replacement and old mineral oil no problems whatsoever They also had big trouble with 0w30 full syth oils and engines.
_________________
Tino Vatavuk
Little black dress which replaced Alfa Romeo 33 S 16v Permanent 4 GMo

[HESRON]