328 reverse grinding

Anybody have a problem, sometimes, getting the car (1989 328) into reverse? I have the problem usually when there is a crowd, and its embarrassing. I've brought it to the Ferrari dealer, and they had the car for a week. Never grinded. Its going back to them after Labor Day. What should I tell them to look for?Car only has 15,000 miles and is well maintained.

15K and many years..change the trans oil....sheeesssshhhh!

nothing about you..we have a large audience...

change the freakin fluids people = mechanics or techs, (damn this is getting old)...you can't believe what I see in the way of old fluids!!!

Also, clutch adjust and hitting 1st before revese is important!!!!

Agree, always go to first then reverse. I even go first, third, first then reverse. Overkill? Maybe but it never hesitates going into reverse or grinds.

Thanks JRV:

the solution to many of these too often made complaints is to do proper routine maintenance. Any number of threads are on this site pertaining to the best oils/fluids with many testimonials attached. It is not that we get kick backs from Royal Purple and co., just that we want you to ENJOY the Ferrari experience!
At least you weren't told a gearbox rebuild was in order!
Change the trans fluid, check the clutch adjustment and don't sweat it if you need to pull into 1st then reverse. Been common for many Porsche owners to do the same for a long time.

Regards, Brian

Hey Thanks Brian...

Correct we don't work for the fluid suppilers or anyone else involved with the conspiraciry theorists..."just on the short end if the bitch stick"...gets tiresome being a Ferrari apologist when the real problem is worthless/lazy/incompetent Techs that won't put the machines needs first and dig into servuice histories or simply do the right thing and reccomend all the fluids be upgraded to clean & modern specs. It might not be a cure all, but dumping 15 yr old fluids is a good place to start!!!!

We've seen & heard this Sooooo many times ....NO OFFENSE intended to anyone...(probably comes as a surprise to many new owners), however, "ALL the Fluids" should be changed every 5 yrs if not sooner to keep the machine clean & happy.

"ALL" fluids in a Machine are like Milk..Used or Not They Spoil!!!

Guys,
With all do respect, this is not my 1st exotic or 1st car. Have had many.Its my first Ferrari. Of course the fluid was changed back in March about 2,000 miles ago. Tried the 1st gear to reverse but still "sometimes"cannot get it in. I have to turn off the car, put it in reverse and start it up again to avoid the grind.Itssomething else. Any suggestions? Someone told me that it could be that the clutch is "dragging"?

Gary,

said the comments were'nt directed at you persaonally!!!

As harsh as the comments were we Love these cars and the guys willing to put up with them.

several things come to mind ~

1~ clutch actuation/adjustment (could need lube on the mainshaft?)

2~ shift linkage mis-aligned either at the shaft or in the tranny

3~ shift shaft bushing (at trans) worn out/oil soaked

IF you are sure the clutch is adjusted perfectly then I would inspect the shift shaft bushing at the trans for softness from oil that leads to deformation that leads to difficult R gear selection (requires 2 people, one shifting, one carefully examining)....honestly, the trans is one of the most perfect parts of the car...there are a few known problems but all minor....any hunt for an issue requires several steps of elimination.

Thank JRV!
I'm printing out what you said and bringing it to Ferrari Of LI when the car goes into service.

Gary

<<I'm printing out what you said and bringing it to Ferrari Of LI <<

Sad thing is becoming a master costs more than it pays...why few masters exist.......

If they need advice/tips...713-682-0370

The faster it;s Fixed the More Fun it is!!

Thanks again! I really appreciate it!

Gary