Well I'm still picking up some noise (at times) when going from 4th to 3rd. However it's not real bad and doesn't sound like going from 2nd to 1st. But doesn't do it every time.

I can deal with the noise, I just don't want to do any damage to my gearbox. However when I drained the oil out yesterday, I did not see any metal (particularly) brass filings in the oil like I did with my Yugo after running 20W50 in the gearbox.

So I'm wondering if what I am hearing is not gear clash but the gears engaging. Is it normal to hear something when going from 4th to 3rd with a 2CV?

I used to own a Fiat X 1/9 (as well as many other Fiats) and it would make a clunk when going from 2nd to 1st. I had a friend swap guts from a Fiat Strada/Ritmo and replaced all the worn parts. My other Fiat friend told me this "clunk" was normal.

So I'm wondering if I am making a big deal out of nothing.

I'm going to set up my cell phone and take a video when I get a chance.

Hmm mine doesn't make any noises really, my last one didn't either. And neither crunched much. But I had a rebuilt box on this one cos I did the bad thing to my old one with too much reversing.
They're all different, it's probably just personality..

Is there any copper or brass in a 2CV gearbox to get attacked by sulphur?

2-3-4 synchro...


And, also synchro on 1st...

Those are only places I remember, still there can be more..?

I'm thinking since the grinding happens when downshifting to 3rd and 2nd, I may need this assembly. Sorry Burton's website won't allow me to post just pics:

http://www.burton2cvparts.com/burtonusa/synchromesh-body-for-second-and-third-gear-2cv6-p-6410.html?cPath=499_8034_8035

I've been using the press in the clutch, pull it out of gear, blip the throttle and then downshift method and so far it seems to work.

It would be nice if I could just shift normally but I can always tell people the transmission in a 2CV is not synchronized and there is a trick to driving it!

I can't understand why it doesn't grind when shifting upwards. Most cars (well Fiats) with bad syncros will grind when up shifting. But can be double clutched. Double clutching on a 2CV has no effect.

Unless the speed of the engine has something to do with it and blipping the throttle does the same thing when downshifting. It that makes any sense...

it is even possible to shift up without using the clutch....so good are the synchros.

Have you thought about checking clutch pedal height and maybe a new clutch and thrust bearing?

When I got the car, the clutch would let out right at the floor. I discovered that the two nuts that hold the cable to the bulkhead were backed off to the point where the one that touches the bulkhead had something like a 5 mm gap!

I tightened both nuts and now the clutch lets out near the top.

So it didn't seem to make any difference.

So far I've had good luck pressing in the clutch, revving the engine up a bit then shifting from 4th to 3rd or 3rd to 2nd with no problems.

Shift up as in 1st to 2nd, 2nd to 3rd, etc or 4th to 3rd, 3rd to 2nd?

No issues going through all the gears up to 4th. Just the other way.

up 1 to 4th....