Real newbie question - ZX gearbox

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Oscar Too
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Real newbie question - ZX gearbox

Post by Oscar Too »

Hello
Thanks for all the encouragement on the BX guys, your remarks will be fed into the next round of negotiations with Significant Other, although I think I may have found the killer argument. I'll let HER play with it too!
Completely off-topic, if anyone has any spare change left over from GSF [:)] and would like to put it to good use, you can donate to the tsunami relief effort at www.dec.org.uk This umbrella org coordinates and prioritises aid efforts to ensure maximum effectiveness.
And now my question: the ZX gearbox is really stiff first thing these days, requires an extra jerk to get it out of 1st and an extra tug into second, stays like that for the first half mile then frees up. Is this because a) the weather is cold, b) I've parked it on the wrong side of the road, or c) a sign of serious problems to come? I've had it a few months, but not driven it much, it was well looked after most of its life but I really don't know whether the gearbox is ok. Are there any other diagnostic test I can do?
As ever, many thanks!
Oscar
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AndersDK
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Post by AndersDK »

Always suspect gear oil level on stiff gearchanges.
Any oilwetted dirt where driveaxles enters the differential is a sure sign of gear oil leak.
You may try with a finger on any drops hanging down there : the smell of gear oil is very characteristic fish-like.
Oscar Too
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Post by Oscar Too »

Thanks Anders, I'll have a look tonight and let you know. What can I do to top up/fix leaks/replace if necessary?
NiSk
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Post by NiSk »

There is a very reputable manufacturer of specialist oils called RedLine. They sell mainly to competition users, but they have some gearbox oils that are specially suited to stiff changes and worn synchros. They have had very good reviews by Citroën owners in the past.
http://www.redlineoil.com/
//NiSk
arry_b
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Post by arry_b »

Generic EP80 or EP90 seems to wreck the change quality on my ZX. I changed to the proper BV stuff, and it was like having a new box fitted. Cheap from GSF.
Working a bit of grease into the balljoints in the linkage also helps.
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Post by Oscar Too »

Thanks arry. I shall send a mate around to a local Cit dealer today for BV, and spend the weekend on it. Had already decided to do the linkages too. Anything I should watch out for? Or is the Haynes manual a fair guide?
jeremy
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Post by jeremy »

Make sure you really do find the drain plug - don't just undo anything as there may be a plug which secures the reverse gear or something. If you undo this one you may end up having to dismantle the gearbox to get it back in!
Don't think you will go far wrong if you drain it through the final drive unit.
Incidentally our ZX 1.9D hangs onto first when cold - I have always just accepted it as one of those things that may dissappear with age (its now only done 67,000. BX TD with 196,000 doesn't do it!)
Jeremy
Oscar Too
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Post by Oscar Too »

Thanks Jeremy
Yes this is a 1.9D too - hangs on to first when cold, but after a mile or so is nice and free. No problems in 3,4 and 5. I'll replace the oil anyway - could use the experience. But nice to know it's not urgent : )
Oscar 2
wilkobob
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Post by wilkobob »

My old ZX Estate 1.9D was the same, after a few mins it was fine though (could be a pain getting to the end of our road though!). It got a little better when I squirted WD40 on the linkages, however like most I just accepted the fact.
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