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Change transmission oil or else!

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Old Nov 6, 2001 | 11:22 PM
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Post Change transmission oil or else!

My '95 993 has 45,000 miles. I noticed that 1st to 2nd was a bit 'notchy' so I had the transmission oil changed. The stuff that came out was like black pitch...and based on the shavings on the magnetic plug, the mechanic thinks I will need the synchros serviced soon...a very expensive job.
My question....am I good for a year or so, and how much should the servicing cost?
Thanks in advance!
Paul
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Old Nov 7, 2001 | 12:00 AM
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everyone should change 993/964 transmission oil yearly. Mobil 1 gear oil is cheap regardless of what the Porsche owners manual states. If you never venture onto the racetrack you should change it atleast every 2 years. There are transmission coolers NOR filters on the latemodel 911 transmissions........3 or 4 quarts oil Mobil 1 is dirt cheap preventative maintenance versus R&R engine /transmission and overhauling 993/964 transmissions
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Old Nov 7, 2001 | 12:23 AM
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It's a pretty easy DIY also.. I just did mine last weekend. I used Amsoil 75W90 and the shifting is much smoother. I don't have that many miles on my car ( 19000 ), but it hasn't been changed since the car was new.

The old tranny oil was pitch black also. I'm going to add this to my yearly maintaince duties, along with flushing the brakes and changing the oil.

Read all about my transmission DIY here.

Jeff
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Old Nov 7, 2001 | 11:04 AM
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Hi Paul,

Not sure about the quantity of shavings found on the magnetic plug ... but, I think it's normal--and almost unavoidable--for a formally pristine shifting, "factory-fresh" transmission to transition to a bit of notchiness at 45k miles. However, I do believe the quality of shifting usually reaches an acceptable plateau shortly thereafter.

For example, I remember being disappointed when I noticed my first notchy shift into third gear on my '91 C2, at about 37k miles. But, while the quality of shifting was no longer as new, it never got much worse, either. It was pretty much the same when I replaced the 964 unit with a 993 6-speed at 100k miles.

Also, when I bought my '66 911 back in '88, it had 130k miles, transmission never rebuilt. Second gear was notchy, and you really had to come to a complete stop to get it into first gear. When I sold the car in '98, some 60k miles later, it was still shifting the same. No better, no worse.
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Old Nov 7, 2001 | 12:58 PM
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Guys, this information is extremely useful. Thanks a bunch!
Paul
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Old Nov 7, 2001 | 01:01 PM
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I noticed for the first time last night that my 1st to 2nd shift (which is occasionally notchy) actually ground a little bit. Once car warmed up a little bit, no problem. Same thing this morning. The temperatures have fallen some here in the Bay Area some this week (low 40's this morning), but it isn't really that cold. Any thoughts? Do I need to replace the transmission fluid? I think that was done at my last service (about 5k miles ago).
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Old Nov 7, 2001 | 02:39 PM
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Don't worry, I don't think that you have a problem with your transmission. It's probably just the type and kind of transmission fluid that was used.

It sounds very similar to Robin's dilemna (shifts one way when cold, another way when hot). He tried several different brands and weights and had different results. Here's a link to his DIY.

You should check to see if it was done at your last service. If it was done, I'm assuming that it was some kind of synthetic ( Mobil 1, Amsoil, Redline ). The weight is pretty standard at 75W90, but ask them what they use too.

Jeff

ps, it's an easy procedure to try out different combinations anyways.
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Old Nov 7, 2001 | 03:10 PM
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Jeff, very helpful. Thanks. I suppose I should just check Robin's site first for any problem I might have.
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Is the Mobil 1 synthetic tranny fluid compatible with Limited Slip differentials as is, or is an additive needed?
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Old Nov 8, 2001 | 12:57 AM
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At 36k mi, my tranny is a little notchy on the first shift to second when cold, after that, its fine. And that is running the swepco, which is supposed to be the best as far as shifter feel goes. I'm going to try the amsoil tranny lube this xmas.

David
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Old Nov 10, 2001 | 09:55 AM
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On all 993s MOBIL 1 is the Porsche factory fill. There are other good transmission oil choices........regardless of what you ultimately use........change the stuff annually if you race or drive hard. Its the right thing to do as 3-4 quarts of transmission oil is cheap whereas the transmission gears/synchros/labor to rebuild is major league $$$$.
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