M410 difficult changing from 1st to 2nd gear

[tonydgray]

Hello all

Recently finished my M410 gearbox transplant and the overdrive has transformed the car so very pleased with that result. The M410 was bought online so I've never heard it running and I just crossed my fingers and hoped for the best. The issue that do have is when changing from first to second gear especially when the car is cold. The gear lever kind of stops before going into second and basically takes its time to engage. It does seem to be worse from cold. The gearbox itself had not been used for around 12 years I think and the oil that came out of it was clean from what I can remember although it may have been stored with new oil. I've used Penrite gearbox 30 oil.

My old M40 gearbox was very noisy so on the noise front I don't really know what is normal. This M410 does make a slight noise when sitting with the engine running in neutral but this does go with the clutch engaged.

Any ides are greatly appreciated.

Many thanks

Tony

[laptoprob]

Hi Tony, the type of oil to be used in OD-boxes is the subject of an ongoing debate. I used 80/90 gearbox oil with good succes and now have 20/50 motor oil in my J-type, because the remanufacturer urged me to do so. Works good.
Maybe your oil is too thick?

cheers, Rob

Originally Posted by tonydgray

Hello all

Recently finished my M410 gearbox transplant and the overdrive has transformed the car so very pleased with that result. The M410 was bought online so I've never heard it running and I just crossed my fingers and hoped for the best. The issue that do have is when changing from first to second gear especially when the car is cold. The gear lever kind of stops before going into second and basically takes its time to engage. It does seem to be worse from cold. The gearbox itself had not been used for around 12 years I think and the oil that came out of it was clean from what I can remember although it may have been stored with new oil. I've used Penrite gearbox 30 oil.

My old M40 gearbox was very noisy so on the noise front I don't really know what is normal. This M410 does make a slight noise when sitting with the engine running in neutral but this does go with the clutch engaged.

Any ides are greatly appreciated.

Many thanks

Tony

[john h]

I think laptoprob is right: check the manuals for correct oil for m410

[tonydgray]

Thanks both. That's a very good point and I've just found a service manual that states either SAE 30 or 20W/40 here:

http://volvo1800pictures.com/documen...ive_type_J.pdf

I'll try and pick up a decent 20W/50 on your recommendation although I'm not sure if its need to be flushed out in any way due to the change of oil.

Thanks guys, very helpful.

Cheers

Tony

[laptoprob]

Hi Tony, make sure the box oil is warm before draining. That way you will be able to drain almost all of the oil.

[Volvo_133]

Hi,
I was told overdrive clutches dont like some of the contents of synthetic oils.
I would go for a mineral oil.

Chris.

[Volvorama]

If the oil change doesn't sort it, try these which I have had with 164s:
Faults / wear with clutch itself
Damaged pilot bearing
Porous flexible hydraulic hose
Wear in yoke and\or clutch pedal
(The hose was the one that puzzled me for a while)

[tonydgray]

Thanks Mark. I've not had time yet to get the oil change done but I am crossing my fingers that it will help the situation. It does get better as the oil warms up so I'm hoping that in itself points to the oil being too thick when cold.

I've recently finished the conversion to this box and in doing so I've replaced the clutch and pilot bearing so at least I can tick those off the list.

Thanks

Tony

[Volvorama]

I now use a 72/73 164E from Germany. It has a cable clutch. Bit heavy though.
Good luck with yours.

[john h]

Originally Posted by Volvorama

I now use a 72/73 164E from Germany. It has a cable clutch. Bit heavy though.
Good luck with yours.

My 164 also has a cable clutch. It was originally left hand drive, Swiss spec.

I'm converting to RHD (amongst a restoration and some modifications) and it is not back on the road yet.

However, my point is that the cable clutch was smooth and light. Certainly no heavier than hydraulic-clutch 164s I owned in the past.

Cheers

John