CC Gearbox Actuators

[jluis]

I've only seen one failure and that was on a 360 with over 130k on the clock (it was an experience car). As you write, it was a problem with selection - you could hear the valve opening and the fluid priming inside the actuator but it didn't move.

Unfortunately, the owner didn't accept my diagnosis of a problem with the actuator and took it to someone else to have the clutch changed...

I bet he now has a new clutch and a new actuator

 

[CraigWaterman11]

I wonder if it's because with the Maseratis they generally obtain more mileage than F cars do. I know they definitely have the same actuator bodies.

I've contacted one of my buddies who I hope still has a used actuator. I'm going to take it apart see if I can figure out what's stopping them from clocking whether a blown seal or a mechanical failure. Figure I could add it to my to do list!

 

[voicey]

I bet he now has a new clutch and a new actuator

Oh yes!

I wonder if it's because with the Maseratis they generally obtain more mileage than F cars do.

This is my working theory at the moment.

I'd also be interested in sending off a few samples of F1 fluid for analysis. I know someone who thinks the pump head releases small metal fragments that interfere with the release bearing seals. If the fluid is getting contaminated with metal then perhaps this is a cause...

I'm going to take it apart see if I can figure out what's stopping them from clocking whether a blown seal or a mechanical failure.

It needs someone to bite the bullet and dismantle a failed actuator - if you were able to get hold of one that'd be great.

 

[conaero]

Agreed we need someone to have a look at this. I have a local engineering firm who would take on the refurb job if I know what needs to be done.

Us on here, unlike others, are not in it for the money.

 

[CraigWaterman11]

I'd also be interested in sending off a few samples of F1 fluid for analysis. I know someone who thinks the pump head releases small metal fragments that interfere with the release bearing seals. If the fluid is getting contaminated with metal then perhaps this is a cause...



It needs someone to bite the bullet and dismantle a failed actuator - if you were able to get hold of one that'd be great.

You know I could definitely see the hydraulic fluid being somewhat of an issue Voice. It's not filtered and I'm almost certain people do not get it flushed on a regular basis. Of course the dirt is going to be pushed to all the moving places of the solenoids and the actuator. I don't think I've seen fluid yet that looked close to what it was suppose to be on the cars I've worked on. It's usually always really dark if not black.

Additionally, I talked to one of the forum members here in the states for ML. I actually sent him two different actuators that were stuck and I changed out. He works on planes and initially wanted to take it on to see if he could rebuild them. I think life happened and he lost interest so he's going to send them back to me. So I will let you guys know how I get on after I get them.

 

[zagatoes30]

I have my old actuator which I am happy to donate to the cause if some one needs to do some investigation

 

[Spartacus]

i know a hydraulics engineer if that helps . the only trouble is its my mate Stu. when hes not drunk hes pretty good .

 

[conaero]

I have my old actuator which I am happy to donate to the cause if some one needs to do some investigation

Yep, can I take the actuator Andy, between me, my bro and Stuie, we will see what the issue is and see if we can refurb it.

Can you post it or when will I see you again, Ace next week or can you give it to another member to bring???

 

[zagatoes30]

Matt I am coming down to Emblem to collect the Spyder soon I can bring it with me and drop it off on the way back.

 

[conaero]

Ok i will be in i have PM'd you.

 

[Evo Cymru]

Interesting stuff fellas! I'm sure my system is nearing the end - priming now seems to be happening every 45 secs when car is idling - will be investigating further over the winter so this is great timing for me!

 

[CatmanV2]

That doesn't sound too bad. Voicey can do a leak down test for you

C

 

[conaero]

Its a high pressure machined part with tolerance otherwise, like a brake master cylinder, if the gaps are too big, the fluid seeps past the piston/seal and the pressure is lost.

If its not seals then the unit/housing would have to be reamed out and an oversize piston/shaft will need to be made. it won't be rocket science.

Testing it is the issue but I am sure we can find a willing participant.

 

[Vincere]

Fyi

 

[CatmanV2]

So 45 seconds would be a bit too frequent. I stand corrected

Vincere, where did you get that document, may I ask?

C

 

[Vincere]

So 45 seconds would be a bit too frequent. I stand corrected

Vincere, where did you get that document, may I ask?

C

There was a link posted either on here or maseratilife a while back with a whole heap of Maserati documents

With regards to the pump activation's, after I replaced my failed actuator with a second hand unit from a 05 QP with 17k miles, I timed the activation's and iirc it was approximately 45-50sec, which according to that document means I could have problems else where, having said that, given the age of these cars and mileage, it wouldn't surprise me if the activation times for majority of the cars now are falling just short of the specified times.

 

[conaero]

Just had a delivery, that was quick:



After having a little poke around, Imagine my surprise to see this slander on one end.



The first thing I want to do is find out if this same Selespeed part is on the later type, Craig, your car that had the failure, can you confirm or deny this and what year and model is it?

 

[jluis]

Its a high pressure machined part with tolerance otherwise, like a brake master cylinder, if the gaps are too big, the fluid seeps past the piston/seal and the pressure is lost.

If its not seals then the unit/housing would have to be reamed out and an oversize piston/shaft will need to be made. it won't be rocket science.

Testing it is the issue but I am sure we can find a willing participant.

My thoughts exactly.
Most likely these units fail from worn seals like master and slave cylinders.

Bench testing is probably doable as there is some information about the electrics out there and the original pump can be used to prime the system on a bench

 

[CatmanV2]

There was a link posted either on here or maseratilife a while back with a whole heap of Maserati documents

With regards to the pump activation's, after I replaced my failed actuator with a second hand unit from a 05 QP with 17k miles, I timed the activation's and iirc it was approximately 45-50sec, which according to that document means I could have problems else where, having said that, given the age of these cars and mileage, it wouldn't surprise me if the activation times for majority of the cars now are falling just short of the specified times.

Could you post the docs again? I have just managed to get a rather spiffing 700+ page workshop manual that I am happy to share in pdf

C

 

[voicey]

Can you check the tightness of the three bleed screws please? It is worth checking that failed actuators aren't being mis-diagnosed - the bleed screws have a habit of undoing themselves over time. They don't let any fluid out but let air into the system and cause havoc with the shifting.