How should I drive to preserve the transmission, synchros?

[hamlet]

One of the common things I keep coming across is gear synchro issues in these cars. I took my spider for a joy ride today and when I was pushing the clutch in I felt a bit of resistance. Ok, maybe not resistance, but it was almost like it was grinding a bit? I'm paranoid. Anyway, it got me thinking that I should be careful how I drive this car, because I'd like to preserve the transmission. What advice do you have?

[htchevyii]

If you are worried about the synchros, don't rush the up shifts and down shifts, especially when cold.

[divace73]

also ensure you have the correct oil for the 124 box

[dmwhiteoak]

My opinion may not be a popular one but I say just drive it. These cars were meant to drive and enjoy. I keep a spare transmission and changed the original one out last year. It had problems when I purchased the car. I don't abuse the car or Transmission. I don't drive with my hand resting on the shifter,I heard that will harm the shifting forks. Just enjoy it and don't worry about mechanical problems, your gonna have them from time to time. Don't abuse it or you will have them regularly. These are 30+ year old cars.

[So Cal Mark]

definitely don't rest your hand on the shifter! Only touch it when shifting. Make sure the clutch adjustment is proper

[Kingme2]

I agree with Dennis... I like to enjoy my car VERY MUCH.... drive it like it's semi-stolen, and keep an eye out for spares for future swaps!

[hamlet]

So there is definitely something a bit strange with this car. I often have trouble getting it into second gear. Not grinding, but I just am unwilling to put the amount of force necessary to get the shifter into gear. I try to restrict the force I use to two fingers. I figured this might be a transmission oil thing, so I replaced it with Redline MT 90, but it's at least as bad if not worse. I'm bummed, and I'm worried. I've even noticed this problem when trying to shift into first or third, for example, but these are rare occasions. Generally it's second (what a surprise, given its reputation), and I never force it into gear -- I'll double clutch or rev before shifting into it, though these aren't always guaranteed to work either. Any ideas, anyone?

[giuliot60]

I was going to ask, if you were using GL1 and if this happened when it was cold. I had trouble shifting into 2nd, when I first started the car in cold weather. My solution: just let her warm up a little, then she shifts fine. Yes, I'm using GL1.

But I don't think the MT 90 has the thickening issue GL1 has in cold weather.

GT

[djape1977]

from my experience with these gearboxes, sinchros are damaged and only way to go is replacing them and doing a full gearbox rebuild.
temporary remedy would be to swap the 90W oil for 80w but that will just further shorten the lifespan of the gearbox

[hamlet]

I had my friend drive the car. He used to work on Fiat Spiders back in the 80s at a Fiat dealer, and he said that while the second gear synchro could be in better shape, the transmission in general is fine, and second gear will be fine if I continue to drive the way I do. It will drop into gear if I am holding it towards second gear and the RPMs are right, with some room for error. When it warms up, it's additionally easier to get in, as you'd expect. I took it on a great drive up Page Mill Road to Skyline Boulevard and had a blast. It really performed well on that ride, and the transmission was fantastic on it in particular.