Speaking of manual boxes

41south · Post by **41south** » Fri May 05, 2006 12:39 pm

Being new to the MX5, my 92 takes quite a firm hand to change into 2nd
gear, be it up from 1st or down from 3rd. There is no grinding or
clunking, it just requires a reasonable amount of pressure. If I find
the right rev range then 1st to 2nd can be quite smooth and easy.

Is this usual for the model and make - or do I have a problem I should
addressing. Mileage is 117 K.

Thanks all in advance.

Colin
[DCE973 92 Silver]

Allison Haywood · Post by **Allison Haywood** » Fri May 05, 2006 2:35 pm

My MX5 '90 is firmer than any manual I've driven - I would
say "positive" - but its not hard per se to change gear - in
fact the most fun manual I've ever driven, and probably the
easiest to drive that I've owned. Sounds like you should
check the gearbox oil - you have to take the console off as
described at the miata.net/garage website - mine had no oil
at all on purhase, and although as mentioned not hard to
change gear, putting oil where it should be has made quite a
diffce in the lower gears.

Allison Haywood · Post by **Allison Haywood** » Fri May 05, 2006 2:35 pm

My MX5 '90 is firmer than any manual I've driven - I would
say "positive" - but its not hard per se to change gear - in
fact the most fun manual I've ever driven, and probably the
easiest to drive that I've owned. Sounds like you should
check the gearbox oil - you have to take the console off as
described at the miata.net/garage website - mine had no oil
at all on purhase, and although as mentioned not hard to
change gear, putting oil where it should be has made quite a
diffce in the lower gears.

MadMaz · Post by **MadMaz** » Fri May 05, 2006 2:48 pm

Hi Colin

While there's quite a few reasons for that happening (gear shaft
end float or worn syncro hubs) I'd do two simpler things right away:

*At 117 K I'd zip down to a service shop and check the level of gear oil in
the gearbox. But in any case change the gear oil - checking the magnetic
drain plug for any signs of metal filings. At 117 K it would pay to do an
oil change in the diff as well. There are a number of friction reducing
additives you can use (which I've used to great effect previously). Or you
might even consider using a synthetic gear oil such as Redline (available
from any BNT Outlet) or Castrol Syntex.

(I used to do gearbox oil changes at home, but honestly, it's a LOT easier
with the car up on a hoist especially with an MX5's low ground clearance).

* Check that the free play in the clutch pedal is correct - should be in the
region of 1/8" & not much more, so that the clutch is not taking up too
early. Too early a take up can result in the gearbox not properly
disengaging from the flywheel while changing gears. Adjustment is by rod &
lock nut inside the car off the clutch pedal arm. While on the hoist also
check that the clutch slave cylinder is not leaking (by peeling the rubber
boot back and checking for presence of leaking brake fluid) and checking
that the cylinder is working properly.

Hope this helps.
Cheers
Mark

From petergarrity@gmail.com Fri Apr 27 17:58:33 2007
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Date: Fri, 5 May 2006 15:40:02 +1200
From: "Peter Garrity" <petergarrity@gmail.com>
To: MX5List <mx5list@mx5club.org.nz>
Subject: Re: Speaking of manual boxes
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Hi Colin,
I'm no expert, but did read on this list someone else asking the same
question. One of the replies said it was common to have a stiff change into
2nd especially when cold, which was a relief to me for I have the same
problem.
Cheers, Peter

On 5/5/06, Mark O'Sullivan <mark.os@slingshot.co.nz> wrote:
[...]

MadMaz · Post by **MadMaz** » Fri May 05, 2006 2:48 pm

Hi Colin

While there's quite a few reasons for that happening (gear shaft
end float or worn syncro hubs) I'd do two simpler things right away:

*At 117 K I'd zip down to a service shop and check the level of gear oil in
the gearbox. But in any case change the gear oil - checking the magnetic
drain plug for any signs of metal filings. At 117 K it would pay to do an
oil change in the diff as well. There are a number of friction reducing
additives you can use (which I've used to great effect previously). Or you
might even consider using a synthetic gear oil such as Redline (available
from any BNT Outlet) or Castrol Syntex.

(I used to do gearbox oil changes at home, but honestly, it's a LOT easier
with the car up on a hoist especially with an MX5's low ground clearance).

* Check that the free play in the clutch pedal is correct - should be in the
region of 1/8" & not much more, so that the clutch is not taking up too
early. Too early a take up can result in the gearbox not properly
disengaging from the flywheel while changing gears. Adjustment is by rod &
lock nut inside the car off the clutch pedal arm. While on the hoist also
check that the clutch slave cylinder is not leaking (by peeling the rubber
boot back and checking for presence of leaking brake fluid) and checking
that the cylinder is working properly.

Hope this helps.
Cheers
Mark

From petergarrity@gmail.com Fri Apr 27 17:58:33 2007
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Date: Fri, 5 May 2006 15:40:02 +1200
From: "Peter Garrity" <petergarrity@gmail.com>
To: MX5List <mx5list@mx5club.org.nz>
Subject: Re: Speaking of manual boxes
In-Reply-To: <000e01c66fee$54ed3850$3322b8cb@MARK>
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Message-ID: <xReU5B.A.ATH.bGZMGB@L733>

Hi Colin,
I'm no expert, but did read on this list someone else asking the same
question. One of the replies said it was common to have a stiff change into
2nd especially when cold, which was a relief to me for I have the same
problem.
Cheers, Peter

On 5/5/06, Mark O'Sullivan <mark.os@slingshot.co.nz> wrote:
[...]

DaveR · Post by **DaveR** » Fri May 05, 2006 4:08 pm

I've also noticed that 1st to 2nd can be a bit notchy when cold.
Definitely improves when warmed up.

Dave

Peter Garrity wrote:

[...]

From John.Field@carterobservatory.org Fri Apr 27 17:58:35 2007
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Subject: RE: Speaking of manual boxes
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Hi All,
Here is something out of left field. Can the 6-speed NB gear box be
retrofitted into the NA? I find that I keep wanting change up from 5th
to 6th! If it can is a big job?
Cheers
John

DaveR · Post by **DaveR** » Fri May 05, 2006 4:08 pm

I've also noticed that 1st to 2nd can be a bit notchy when cold.
Definitely improves when warmed up.

Dave

Peter Garrity wrote:

[...]

From John.Field@carterobservatory.org Fri Apr 27 17:58:35 2007
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Subject: RE: Speaking of manual boxes
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Hi All,
Here is something out of left field. Can the 6-speed NB gear box be
retrofitted into the NA? I find that I keep wanting change up from 5th
to 6th! If it can is a big job?
Cheers
John

MadMaz · Post by **MadMaz** » Fri May 05, 2006 4:29 pm

That's another aspect which synthetic gear oil can improve.

Cheers
Mark

MadMaz · Post by **MadMaz** » Fri May 05, 2006 4:29 pm

That's another aspect which synthetic gear oil can improve.

Cheers
Mark

mikey · Post by **mikey** » Fri May 05, 2006 6:41 pm

I've been pondering this as well... can anyone advise?

mikey · Post by **mikey** » Fri May 05, 2006 6:41 pm

I've been pondering this as well... can anyone advise?

Jack · Post by **Jack** » Fri May 05, 2006 6:49 pm

I just sold my Na 5 speed and got a NB 6 speed but at 100k in 6th you are
doing nearly the same revs as in 5th in the NA so the final drive seems to
be much the same

Jack · Post by **Jack** » Fri May 05, 2006 6:49 pm

I just sold my Na 5 speed and got a NB 6 speed but at 100k in 6th you are
doing nearly the same revs as in 5th in the NA so the final drive seems to
be much the same

MadMaz · Post by **MadMaz** » Fri May 05, 2006 6:51 pm

Hey John

That's a good idea - I'll talk to Mazspare about availability of the 6-speed
boxes and see if they know anything about retrofitting an NA. And with a
6th gear running off a 1600 engine the fuel economy should be very good.

Cheers
Mark
(Firm believer in 98 Go Juice - Go for it!)

MadMaz · Post by **MadMaz** » Fri May 05, 2006 6:51 pm

Hey John

That's a good idea - I'll talk to Mazspare about availability of the 6-speed
boxes and see if they know anything about retrofitting an NA. And with a
6th gear running off a 1600 engine the fuel economy should be very good.

Cheers
Mark
(Firm believer in 98 Go Juice - Go for it!)

kiwipete · Post by **kiwipete** » Sat May 06, 2006 4:42 pm

My 89 120k is stiff from 1st to 2nd when cold... will upgrade oil... should be
better

kiwipete

kiwipete · Post by **kiwipete** » Sat May 06, 2006 4:42 pm

My 89 120k is stiff from 1st to 2nd when cold... will upgrade oil... should be
better

kiwipete

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