Metal in Tranny oil

Coos Bay · 10-14-2007, 09:58 AM

Recently I've had a little trouble with my '77 911S shifting into 4th gear and sometimes a little stubborn getting it into reverse. I bought a jug of Swepco 201 and decided to change out the oil. When I drained the oil I found several small chunks of metal stuck to the magnetic drain plug. Is this big time significant or will I still be able to drive the car at least carefully? Probably should have the tranny opened and find out what's going on...right? I know...stupid question. Im just disappointed because I've only had the car 6 months. Didnt really want to get into this kind of thing. Any ideas on the cost of a tranny rebuild?

Jim Sims · 10-14-2007, 10:24 AM

Those are pieces of teeth from the synchro hub (dogteeth). Time to stop driving the car and have the transmission rebuilt. ~$1800 for a rebuild plus labor for engine/transmission R&R.

Grady Clay · 10-14-2007, 10:26 AM

Those appear to be engagement dogs off the gear. IF those are all of them, you probably can carefully drive the 911 home. If even one more gets circulated through the gears, it will do more (preventable) damage. The best idea is to not run or flat tow the 911 until you fix it.

This is a relatively easy repair (DIY). Be prepared to replace the sliding sleeve and syncro on at least that gear.

Best,
Grady

livi · 10-14-2007, 10:50 AM

Welcome aboard!

Sorry about this, but as you very well may know, Grady is a Porsche community icon and a sincerely knowledgable and generous guy at that! What he suggests would be where I put my money.

Grady, delighted to see you posting! Such refreshing statement that this is a fairly easy DIY! Even if it may not be for many of us, it is that spirit from someone like you that would actually make even a tech fool like me give it a try!

Sorry for spelling, Spell Check checked out again..

RWebb · RWebb's Garage

If your name indicates your location, then it either be a DIY job, or you will need to ship the tranny out.

JWW is in Seattle and does a lot of trans. repair.
Steve W./Gamroth is in Portland and can do the repair + any hot rodding - I heard that their ace tranny person (so to speak), Gordon, has set up on his own; not sure if he is now an ind. contractor/sub for them or what.

People swear to me that a trans. rebuild is very easy... but the things scare me. Engines don't...

Coos Bay · 10-14-2007, 01:14 PM

Yep...my name gave it all away...Coos Bay, Oregon. Only 1 German car guy here and he's going to retire in less than a year. I guess I'll tow it to him for starters. Im chicken to work on the tranny. Besides, I have a very limited number of tools and know-how. This whole thing is a bit upsetting because this is such a great car. Only had it six months. The paperwork I got says "rebuilt transmission" but I think that was only seals and synchros. At least she has a strong low mile engine that runs like a rocket.
If anybody wants to open a German car shop in Coos Bay, Oregon...there's a great opportiunity waiting. We Really need somebody here.

Roger
65 356C coupe
74 914
77 911S

RWebb · RWebb's Garage

How about a competent and honest Pcar shop in You-gene first!

It's easy to pull the powertrain. Get a helper tho.

Buy yourself a Rubbermaid tub big enough to take the tranny and stick it on a Greyhound to JWW or the others I mentioned. Be sure they are willing to pick up at bus stn. first.

Sorry to hear this...

Give me a ring if you are in teh "big" city...

GBOX · 10-15-2007, 12:46 PM

There is some information on my website about how to ship a transmission, you can also contact us about a rebuild.

All the best,