[Jono]

HELP!

I think there's something wrong with the gearbox in my NC.

It felt odd this morning as I set off for work and at every gear change on the drive the sensation persisted.

I've read how the Mazda engineers developed the NA gear change to replicate the mechanical feel of the old British sports cars of the 60s. Even engineering in the metallic feel to the shift.

Both of my NCs have had a similar feel when setting of from cold. A resistance to change and the feel through the lever of metal components forcing others aside. When warmed the gearbox changed character and was very precise and easy moving.

Today, with nearly 14,000 miles on the clock, that all changed.

Engaging first gear felt very, very odd.

It just slid into place!

I had to do it again to confirm it.

Yes, just the same.

The action was of two pieces of hard plastic coming into contact.

Where was the resistance and the course metal on metal feel through the gear knob?

During the drive to work I was changing up and down the box just to feel the action. It was great!

I can only conclude that some carefully designed component has broken off in the gearbox. The component that is intended to give the 60s feel as it rubs against metal and resists movement.

My worry is that this part loose in the gearbox will cause further damage.

Should I have the gearbox removed and the detached component fixed?

I await your sugestions.

 

[steveh]

I can imagine the dealers response, "Well sir you have an MX5 and your finding it easy to shift gears especially when cold, I'll talk to Mazda UK I'm sure that a new 6 speed box will solve that issue and I can't see any warranty issues from Mazda UK"

Seriously though I know we're pretty sensitive to changes like this, my last gear box was stiffer than my current one which has less mileage but I've had no real issues with either provided I disengage the clutch fully when selecting lower gears especially when cold, how odd. I image with broken components the gear selection becoming vague and more difficult to engage.

 

[Dewi RS]

The 6 sp box was always criticised for a notchy change Jono, especially when cold so it could just be due to the weather getting cooler these mornings and your oil getting older - it will never have been changed during a service.. My first port of call would be an oil change, I know one of the Castrols sorted the cold change issues on my SportBlack. I can't recall which one it was now but I think it was "Syntrans". There were a few forum debates about it so if you Google it I'm sure it'll turn up

 

[Garffey]

Your wearing it out Jono!..... First the roof, now the gearbox.... :frantic:

 

[MJL]

You are a naughty man, Jono. I was all ready to be sympathetic and then you pull that trick! HUMPH!

By the way, how is your decision going?

 

[Jono]

The 6 sp box was always criticised for a notchy change Jono, especially when cold so it could just be due to the weather getting cooler these mornings and your oil getting older - it will never have been changed during a service.. My first port of call would be an oil change, I know one of the Castrols sorted the cold change issues on my SportBlack. I can't recall which one it was now but I think it was "Syntrans". There were a few forum debates about it so if you Google it I'm sure it'll turn up

I believe you may have missed my attempt at humour, D.

 

[Jono]

You are a naughty man, Jono. I was all ready to be sympathetic and then you pull that trick! HUMPH!

By the way, how is your decision going?

Plan A is still on track but was nearly replaced by Plan B on Sunday. Unfortunately Plan B immediately went a bit iffy and I had to revert to Plan A. I intend following up on Plan B tomorrow to see if it can be resurrected. Plan B is less costly than Plan A and would have a more immediate effect.

 

[Kev5]

The 6 sp box was always criticised for a notchy change Jono, especially when cold so it could just be due to the weather getting cooler these mornings and your oil getting older - it will never have been changed during a service.. My first port of call would be an oil change, I know one of the Castrols sorted the cold change issues on my SportBlack. I can't recall which one it was now but I think it was "Syntrans". There were a few forum debates about it so if you Google it I'm sure it'll turn up

I believe you may have missed my attempt at humour, D.

I'm afraid I missed it too, Jono ...well, we are from Devon!

Anyway, my suggestion?

Simple...keep the Graphite! :thumbsup:

 

[steveh]

There's a 2013 Graphite for sale in Boston, Mazda Dealer, can't recall whether I've seen it with the roof down or not. Original height and tyres , there is a comment from the dealer about it taking awhile to get into 1st when cold.

 

[Kev5]

I am sure this has been said before, but the 5-speed on my NC is as sweet as a nut at any temperature. It remains one of the most endearing features of the car, presently at 51,000 miles.

I don't why there is so much difference between the feel of the two gearboxes, only to assume, perhaps, that the synchromesh hubs on the 6-speed are larger...? Or smaller...?

Does anyone know?

 

[steveh]

All I know is the 5 speed is not as strong as the 6 speed when it comes to more serious performance upgrades, I think the casing is not as stiff.

 

[Kev5]

All I know is the 5 speed is not as strong as the 6 speed when it comes to more serious performance upgrades, I think the casing is not as stiff.

Ah...then the internals might also be commensurately beefier, too. Maybe the synco-hubs are larger, along with the detents and bearings etc. That may explain the slightly heavier shift.

 

[Qu1ckn1ck]

The six-speeder on my NC was a pig to get into second when first driving off in cold weather. The six-speeder on my GT86 is baulky in second but not as bad as the NC - Martin tells me that the gearboxes are made by the same maker. The five-speeder on my NB is nearly as good as a Ford box.

 

[Dewi RS]

The 6 sp box was always criticised for a notchy change Jono, especially when cold so it could just be due to the weather getting cooler these mornings and your oil getting older - it will never have been changed during a service.. My first port of call would be an oil change, I know one of the Castrols sorted the cold change issues on my SportBlack. I can't recall which one it was now but I think it was "Syntrans". There were a few forum debates about it so if you Google it I'm sure it'll turn up

I believe you may have missed my attempt at humour, D.

Totally Jono - that'll teach me to read and inwardly digest posts before commenting, I was just on my way out and thought I'd give the benefit of my vast knowledge and experience before leaving.

 

[Jono]

The 6 sp box was always criticised for a notchy change Jono, especially when cold so it could just be due to the weather getting cooler these mornings and your oil getting older - it will never have been changed during a service.. My first port of call would be an oil change, I know one of the Castrols sorted the cold change issues on my SportBlack. I can't recall which one it was now but I think it was "Syntrans". There were a few forum debates about it so if you Google it I'm sure it'll turn up

I believe you may have missed my attempt at humour, D.

Totally Jono - that'll teach me to read and inwardly digest posts before commenting, I was just on my way out and thought I'd give the benefit of my vast knowledge and experience before leaving.

My intention was to invoke sympathy before the penny dropped

 

[badman]

Wot, the first of April so soon,?

It'll be summer before we know it! :skip:

 

[MJL]

You are a naughty man, Jono. I was all ready to be sympathetic and then you pull that trick! HUMPH!

By the way, how is your decision going?

Plan A is still on track but was nearly replaced by Plan B on Sunday. Unfortunately Plan B immediately went a bit iffy and I had to revert to Plan A. I intend following up on Plan B tomorrow to see if it can be resurrected. Plan B is less costly than Plan A and would have a more immediate effect.

Are you sure you have never worked for a government planning department... the language is so similar!

 

[Jono]

Mrs J has come up with a Plan C.

I feel dizzy

 

[Steveti]

Mrs J has come up with a Plan C.
I feel dizzy

My head is spinning.

 

[Jono]

Like a whirlpool, it never ends