how come every now and then (about 3 or 4 times in the 6 months I have had the pleasure of owning this life long ambition!) it refuses to go into first or reverse.... the last time it happened I had been stuck in traffic for a good few miles and when I got home tried to reverse it onto the drive & it didn't want to know! I thought that it might want a 'proper' run havin been idling for about 5 miles so i gave it a run down the local by pass and guess what..... it is OK again now... any ideas?

btw.... what engine oil should I be using 10/40 or 10/50?

thanks
A1 ALBE <img src="confused.gif" border="0">

 

Dear Albe,
Stuck in traffic is the clue. If the gearbox overheats (only cooling is when you are moving forwards) not being able to select frist or reverse is not uncommon. You are okay to use 2nd. I normally always use second, especially in traffic. Saves hitting the rev limiter when one gets a rush of blood or the red mist as well.
As for oil grade to use. Your environment and when you drive the 964 are critically important. I use 5W 30 but this is because I drive in winter. Check with the PCGB I know they have all this data and have done some local research on the subject.
Ciao,
Adrian
911C4

 

Just curious: how many of you use 2nd gear in stop and go traffic? Do you take off in 2nd gear from a full stop or just always stay in 2nd gear when moving, albeit at very slow speeds?

 

Hi Dave,

If I come to a full stop--or even rolling very slowly--I'll shift to first gear. If I start in second from a full stop, it's because I forgot to shift to first while waiting for a stoplight.

 

phew!! thanks for your input guys.... interesting that you use 2nd gear so much in traffic... is this OK for the clutch do you think?

again thanks

A1 ALBE

 

Albi:

Regarding oil, I've always used 20W 50 (mineral oil) in my 911's for the three seasons of driving that we get here in my part of the world. Though, for winter driving, 20W 50 would probably be much too thick when cold for easy starting and fuel economy.

I also agree with Adrian that your climate and what season it is will determine the weight of oil to use. Check your owner's manual for what weight of oil to use for each outside temperature range.

In case you don't have a manual, here's what my 1990 manual states for mineral based oils:

Temps mostly greater than 10 degrees C (50 F): 20W-50 or 15W-40
Temps mostly lower than 10 degrees C : 15W-40 or 10W-40 or 10W-30
Temps mostly lower than -10 C : 10W-30 or 5W-30

Hope this helps,
Jay
90 964

 

Dear Albe,
I have a C4 and it pulls easily off the line in second. It has nice low rpm torque. I do use first gear if stopped on the side of a mountain but I normally use 2nd on the flat. I have been known to slip into first for a quicker get away. I never slip into first while moving, even if just rolling. Does this damage the clutch. Nope. Nothing is that weak. Despite what you hear the clutch of the 964 is not so bad. Your local driving environment and how you drive plays a significant role in clutch life. Same with brakes,
Ciao,
Adrian
911C4