Re: 2nd gear synchros

["Dean W. Cains" <dwc@domain.elided>]

Hi Modelle:

It's because the inertia of the gears is too great for the size of the 
synchro ring(s).  Second gear also gets the most abuse because it's a 
straight movement of the shifter from first, and is most used for during 
quick acceleration.  Think about how fast you want to usually get from 
first to second, and compare that to your shift from third to 
fourth.  Second to third, and fourth to fifth are naturally slower shifts 
because of the dogleg in the shift pattern.  Much synchro wear also relates 
to driving style.  I've had Alfa's since the late 70's and never knew there 
was a second gear synchro problem, until I started reading the Digest.

Getting back to the inertia thing, if the gears are less massive, as in a 
lightened set of gears, inertia is reduced (the gears can change speed 
quicker) and the synchros have an easier time of it.

Also, this has been discussed ad nauseam, but use the correct gear 
lube.  If you can't find the real thing, Shell Spirax, I like Kendall 70w 
Nitro motor oil.

Regards,

Dean W. Cains
Lutz, FL
'74 Spider Veloce

At 06:55 PM 8/6/2002, you wrote:

> Date: Tue, 6 Aug 2002 16:03:27 EDT
> From: GModelle@domain.elided
> Subject: 2nd gear synchros
>
> Esteemed Digesti,
> I'd like to know why the second gear synchro is so prone to early retirement.
> If you look at the tranny internals, there is no diference between the second
> gear assembly and any of the others, one through five. So owing to the
> collective understanding of this shifter-shortcoming, has anyone ever
> suggested a cure? Titanium synchro rings? Radical gear lightening? What is
> the present thinking?
>
> Modelle in Somers Point
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