Problem engaging first gear and reverse Gansport

[ecarca]

I might have that tangs problem. I had 2 warnings within the 10 last days. Both times, I was in 1st, stopped without depressing the brakes. The car came back to neutral (normal process) but with quite a big mechanical sound like a big clunk. The first time, the first gear engaged but the clutch was making quite heavy sounds and the clutch was slipping. I gave it more throtthle and things went back to normal for the rest of my drive (about 90km, including highway at high speed and city).

The second time was this week, I was driving to work and stopped at the light. The car went back to neutral with that big clunk sound and I could not engage first. N was displayed while the 1st was quite of half engaged, I managed to pull on the side. At that time, the gearbox CEL went on. Then I turned the engine off and then on and everything went back to normal.

I noticed that recently it would stall easily, in particular while backing up. I am not sure about the numeric value of my point of engagement but I remember it was set at the minimum and the dealership did not want to set it lower as it is mentioned on the forum. I attribute this to clutch wear and I overcome it easily being either very gentle with the throttle or very agressive.

I am already considering buying a new clutch for a while and I think it is time. I found this, not sure I need to get all these parts and not sure it is a good value:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/MASERATI-CLUTCH-KIT-COUPE-SPYDER-GRANSPORT-4200-QUATTROPORTE-COMPLETE-KIT-/121409746059?pt=Motors_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories&hash=item1c4495b48b&vxp=mtr

It might be better to buy something like this:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Genuine-Maserati-Clutch-196335-NIB/261485808798?_trksid=p2054897.c100204.m3164&_trkparms=aid%3D222007%26algo%3DSIC.MBE%26ao%3D1%26asc%3D20140407115239%26meid%3D31cdd1be043b4967b9adb6cfd83bda29%26pid%3D100204%26rk%3D1%26rkt%3D30%26sd%3D351076126534

Then the bearing from Hills Engineering and the F1 sensor and the rest from eurospares.

Does anyone have the list of the parts I need to buy? Because I think I also need the spigot bearing (upgraded one) but I am not sure about the reference.

Thank you

 

[hodroyd]

You are as well replacing the bearings whilst the clutch is out, would cost a lot more if the bearings go after the new clutch fitted..!!

 

[ecarca]

Is there a complete list somewhere? Because I am looking at the eurospares diagram and kind of know what I need but I am not 100% sure...
Should I get the flywheel as well? It is not too expensive so it might be worth replacing at the same time for peace of mind. I only have slightly less than 40K km but the car is 10 years old and I believe it is the original clutch (non upgraded bearing, etc.). Thank you!

 

[zagatoes30]

Flywheel with clutch replacement is a good idea if only to make the balancing easier.

 

[ecarca]

Flywheel with clutch replacement is a good idea if only to make the balancing easier.

How to balance it? It can only be done with the computer, correct? I heard about someone having a computer around town, I need to check that out because I am not going to the official dealer for sure. They don't work good at all here.

 

[CraigWaterman11]

Ecara brother you are really having issues with your car. I'm very sorry to hear all of this. The misfiring and now the clutch on top of it?

I don't have all the part numbers for the car on hand. I wouldn't get the first ebay posting with the refurbished pressure plate, throw out bearing and F1 sensor. If it was me I would purchase the second listing, and purchase the rest separately.

You will need the following for a clutch replacement.
1. Clutch/Pressure plate (usually sold together)
2.Thrust bearing (Hill Engineering)
3.Spigot/Pilot bearing
4. F1 sensor
5. Flywheel (either resurfaced if never done before or brand new)

There are a few other optional things you can do. Personally, I believe you should balance the pressure plate and flywheel together. You probably just saw the ML member that purchased the Mas. with vibration issues who after counsel removed/balanced the pressure plate and fly wheel and the vibration issues were taken care of. You can attempt to clock the off balance marks 180 degrees from each other. I had a speed shop tell me on my brand new assembly that was not the closest in balanced position when they put it together even though the service manual stated that's the best reference mark to begin at. Again.....optional

You can also do the clutch main shaft bearing. There was a TSB put out for this which we finally dug up when another member brought this up to me. Basically, the sound is almost identical to a failed pilot bearing. They have a procedure to follow with it which I posted somewhere on here. I didn't have any issues with it so I left it as it was in my car. After about 1000 miles I still haven't had any issues.

I think I've covered almost everything. But if not someone can further elaborate.

 

[CraigWaterman11]

Balancing....................

take the flywheel and pressure plate to a dynamic balancing shop. Call around. It will be a shop that specializes in high performance applications, or something similar. It actually would be cheaper than the dealer balancing it on the car anyway. You will need to remove the floater (the double disc friction plates in the middle) it's held in with a couple 10 mm bolts. Just mark the position on the pressure plate when you take it off. The friction discs usually aren't balanced with the assembly, they move too much in the process.

 

[ecarca]

Ecara brother you are really having issues with your car. I'm very sorry to hear all of this. The misfiring and now the clutch on top of it?

I don't have all the part numbers for the car on hand. I wouldn't get the first ebay posting with the refurbished pressure plate, throw out bearing and F1 sensor. If it was me I would purchase the second listing, and purchase the rest separately.

You will need the following for a clutch replacement.
1. Clutch/Pressure plate (usually sold together)
2.Thrust bearing (Hill Engineering)
3.Spigot/Pilot bearing
4. F1 sensor
5. Flywheel (either resurfaced if never done before or brand new)

There are a few other optional things you can do. Personally, I believe you should balance the pressure plate and flywheel together. You probably just saw the ML member that purchased the Mas. with vibration issues who after counsel removed/balanced the pressure plate and fly wheel and the vibration issues were taken care of. You can attempt to clock the off balance marks 180 degrees from each other. I had a speed shop tell me on my brand new assembly that was not the closest in balanced position when they put it together even though the service manual stated that's the best reference mark to begin at. Again.....optional

You can also do the clutch main shaft bearing. There was a TSB put out for this which we finally dug up when another member brought this up to me. Basically, the sound is almost identical to a failed pilot bearing. They have a procedure to follow with it which I posted somewhere on here. I didn't have any issues with it so I left it as it was in my car. After about 1000 miles I still haven't had any issues.

I think I've covered almost everything. But if not someone can further elaborate.

Thank you Craig. So far the car drives well. I had these 2 warnings and it makes the whining sound once in a while but that's the spigot (or the main shaft bearing now that I know that ). For the rest, I still use it everyday and it works ok if you look at the track videos I posted last time. I just need to solve that misfire issue once and for all, put in a new clutch and I'll be going for the next years hopefully

Thanks for all the info as usual

 

[ecarca]

Balancing....................

take the flywheel and pressure plate to a dynamic balancing shop. Call around. It will be a shop that specializes in high performance applications, or something similar. It actually would be cheaper than the dealer balancing it on the car anyway. You will need to remove the floater (the double disc friction plates in the middle) it's held in with a couple 10 mm bolts. Just mark the position on the pressure plate when you take it off. The friction discs usually aren't balanced with the assembly, they move too much in the process.

I have no idea where I can find this, I will start to inquire. The small shop I go to managed to change a Murciealago clutch last time, I probably can walk them through changing the GS one. I just need to check with them if they have balanced it before, which I doubt.

I will get that clutch (second link), then the bearing from hills engineering and the rest from eurospares. They have a very good customer service there, Wil is very helpful.

Cheers!

 

[hodroyd]

Take care with the bits from eurospares, they do have some stuff listed as OE which is not and is inferior quality..!!

 

[ecarca]

Take care with the bits from eurospares, they do have some stuff listed as OE which is not and is inferior quality..!!

Please, if you have other recommendations, I am a taker. I have an address in US and one in Europe, so I can ship to any of them, then I forward it to China
Thanks!

 

[hodroyd]

Get a quote for OE parts from a Dealer, compare that to Eurospares OE prices for such as the Spigot Bearings, you can be better off buying some things from a discounting dealer..!!

 

[CraigWaterman11]

Ecarca, let me know what you need. I have a Maserati dealer in California that I worked with when I purchased all of my parts except the Hill Engineering thrust bearing. He matched Eurospares prices, it was definitely OEM, and cheaper than anyone else on the web. He actually was cheaper than Eurospares because he priced matched Eurospares but I didn't have to pay the shipping costs or custom fees. If you want I will contact him with everything you need for your car, and post the price right here. You can see if anyone else will beat it, and if they can with the same quality go with them. I'm only willing to do this because I know you, and you have been struggling with your car.

Additionally, I apologize I don't have any connection to places in China that could balance this. It doesn't necessarily have to be only a speed shop. It could also be a shop that specializes in dynamic balancing for any equipment.

As a last resort though if you cannot find anyone to do it. PM me and I will take care of it on my end before it's shipped to you. I would rather personally take it over to get it done for you, than see you not do it, or worse someone take advantage of you to get it done. I think you pretty well know my history, and you know I'm a moderator on Maserati Life now. You don't have to worry about me taking advantage of you. If I can help I will do so.

 

[voicey]

If you're looking for a quality OEM supplier then try Joe Macari. I know the parts manager, Steve, and he's an absolute legend. They get 5 deliveries a week from Italy and he can pretty much source any part you need. In the last 5 years I've been dealing with him he's never let me down.

 

[hodroyd]

Excellent offers there Ecarca..??

 

[ecarca]

Yes! Thank you gents for your great advices and support

Craig, I trust you, no worries. I will be in touch with you by PM so we can exchange emails. I have an address in California and if he can ship there it is perfect. Then I'll forward it to China

I would be please to take your balancing offer as well. I don't know how to thank you but I have one of these spacer sets I made for the forum left over some place, let me know if you need it and I'll ship it to US. I will declare it as a sample so that you don't pay taxes

 

[hodroyd]

We are all here for the benefit of each other..!!