QuestionMy 1999 Disco 2 V8 will not change into 2nd gear on cold mornings, when the engine and gearbox heat up the problem goes away. I have had all of the syncros in the gearbox replace and have tried sevral different oils but the problem persists. Have you any ideas?
AnswerHi Craig,
shifting problems are either with the transmission or the transfer gearbox.
I've had to live with a 2nd gear 'grip' for some time this spring season. I have no other troubles except (on occasion) 2nd gear. If I don't over-rev the engine from 1st to 2nd, I'm ok. The moment I need quick acceleration out of 1st...'grind' is the noise I hear. OUCH.
I've been told it's my transmission fluid needs to be changed. I suspect something else.
A few years ago, I had trouble with my transfer gearbox (TG). It had developed a leak after the gasket was changed. It was a very small leak that went unnoticed. Over time, the TG gear oil level went down very low. One morning I could not shift out of 3rd gear. Like you, it was a cold morning and only after sitting and letting the engine and gearbox heat up was I able to continue. I limped home and started looking for the cause.
The TG oil was completely empty. I refilled and the problem was resolved.
I suspect in you case that it may have more to do with your tranny and less with the transfer gearbox. If you've replaced the syncros and maintained the oil (synthetic only for Disco II) then it only leaves the tranny as suspect.
You may want to try REDLINE synthetic oil. It has a product that may help in your situation (cold morning shifting problems): lightweight gear oil.
http://www.redlineoil.com/products_gearlubricants.asp?pvID=80&prodID=60&subcatID...
I hope this helps,
JohnMc
