General Panda Problems

[Gooseman]

Bleed the clutch too. It can make a significant difference.

Cool, I'll get them to do that too!

But, just so I don't look like a complete idiot when I ask, what does that mean and what does it achieve?

 

[Pugglt Auld Jock]

On the older 169 4x4 (with etc 1.2 petrol engine), the gearbox also housed the transfer gears that connect to the propshaft in a unit fitted to the end of the gearbox and sharing its oil. That's why it was important to use the right one.

The same is true for the newer 312 4x4 when it has the TwinAir engine, as again the transfer gears (also called idler gears or PTU) are inside the main gearbox.

The 312 4x4 with a MultiJet diesel (like the OP's car) has a 'standard' gearbox and a separate PTU bolted on the end, and that PTU has its own little oil sump. So on that basis, you could describe the gearbox of a diesel 4x4 as being 'cooking' -- its the standard gearbox used on the two- and four-wheel drive Panda (and several other Fiats too) and with a fairly standard gear oil spec. The PTU on the other hand needs that GL5 oil.

Thanks Hillhopper, some more info I didn't know. Makes a lot of sense though as a transfer box is unlikely to contain yellow metals

 

[steveras57]

Cool, I'll get them to do that too!

But, just so I don't look like a complete idiot when I ask, what does that mean and what does it achieve?

new fluid is fully compressible because it wont have any absorbed water in it which all brake fluid develops over time- therefor it transmits all the pedal pressure and gives maximum movement to the clutch plates as they separate so you get best detachment which aids the gearchange movement and feel for smoother shifts!

 

[The Panda Nut]

new fluid is fully compressible because it wont have any absorbed water in it which all brake fluid develops over time- therefor it transmits all the pedal pressure and gives maximum movement to the clutch plates as they separate so you get best detachment which aids the gearchange movement and feel for smoother shifts!

It improved my Panda 100 a lot it had a weak third gear synchro. If the fluid is old and contaminated it may just not disengage the clutch 100% if you get even a tiny bit more real movement it can improve the gear change. Its a cheap job and is one less thing to make things worse once done.

 

[Panda IIs]

new fluid is fully compressible because it wont have any absorbed water in it which all brake fluid develops over time- therefor it transmits all the pedal pressure and gives maximum movement to the clutch plates as they separate so you get best detachment which aids the gearchange movement and feel for smoother shifts!

Incompressible

 

[steveras57]

Incompressible

I often pissprenunciate my worms!

 

[Pugglt Auld Jock]

It improved my Panda 100 a lot it had a weak third gear synchro. If the fluid is old and contaminated it may just not disengage the clutch 100% if you get even a tiny bit more real movement it can improve the gear change. Its a cheap job and is one less thing to make things worse once done.

In an older system there may be a very small amount of air in the system due to worn seals etc and flushing/bleeding the system through can often result in an improvement. Another reason why renewing the clutch fluid at the same 2/3 yearly interval as you do with brake fluid is agood idea. Also worth thinking about the fact that as the system ages contaminants, like microscopic bits of seal material, moisture, even very fine bits of the cylinder walls gets into the fluid and will cause the cylinders to work less well or fail early - it's not just because of the fact standard brake fluid attracts moisture, making it dangerous, that you need to change it on a regular basis.

 

[steveras57]

In an older system there may be a very small amount of air in the system due to worn seals etc and flushing/bleeding the system through can often result in an improvement. Another reason why renewing the clutch fluid at the same 2/3 yearly interval as you do with brake fluid is agood idea. Also worth thinking about the fact that as the system ages contaminants, like microscopic bits of seal material, moisture, even very fine bits of the cylinder walls gets into the fluid and will cause the cylinders to work less well or fail early - it's not just because of the fact standard brake fluid attracts moisture, making it dangerous, that you need to change it on a regular basis.

If only everyone serviced there cars properly at the right times eh! mind you we would have a lot less questions to answer on here -so wheres the fun in that?

 

[Gooseman]

All this makes so much sense. Thanks for the excellent advice!

I'll be along a bit later with some more questions!

 

[The Panda Nut]

I often pissprenunciate my worms!

You clearly need to increase you alcohol constipation substantially. More beer Chivers.

 

[steveras57]

You clearly need to increase you alcohol constipation substantially. More beer Chivers.

No drink unfortunately-Diabetic! made up for by my mental issues and" exotic" personality! -mental stuff is influenced strongly by Italian wife and three daughters- ever seen the tv show "outnumbered?"