166 6-speed manual syncro problem

Afternoon chaps.

I thought i'd just tell you about the first niggle with my 166 3.0 Super. The syncro on 4th is getting worn, so I'm getting a quote for repair from my local specialist (cloverleaf in Gloucester). The labour is going to be about £500 and to recondition the box is going to be £500.

Glad i've got a warranty.

Interesting it's on 4th. My car has had weak synchro on 4th since I got it (after 16k miles as a demonstrator and no service!). I 've never done anything about it, just treated it as a quirk and avoided fast changes (especially skipping from 2nd to 4th quickly). At 125k miles it hasn't got any worse! Does anyone else have the same problem?

my 5 speed box on the '99 was a bit grouchy going into 4th...just put it down to the mileage (135k) and treated it carefully when cold

Update - The 166 is back at the garage having the gearbox refurbed. Unfortunately, i've got a 2000 Toyota Corolla. Hateful car.

Just bought a 166 3.0 6sp this week and its the same into 4th.

Mine had the Box rebuilt 6 months before I brought it for a similar problem with the 6th Gear. I have also head of the bearings going as well.

I understand from an Alfa specialist that these problems are prevented by replacing the oil on an annual or biannual basis depening on your miles.

I know that does not help those with problems already but for the rest of you look a little maintenance might save you a big bill.

Most modern cars you never touch the gearbox oil, it is basically sealed for life but Alfa being Alfa need to make life a little more exciting for us...

Thanks for that, super166. I'll have that added into my servicing.

I'm still waiting for the car back....

If anyone ever doubts what a good car the 166 is, make them drive a corolla for 3 weeks.

Hello, my name is minch and it's been 23 days since i drove an Alfa.

Well, it's time for another update.

The Corolla is still hateful but does do handbrake turns well.

The worrying call today from the dealer was that the gearbox specialist can't get any syncro rings for the gearbox.
The good news is that if they can't source any parts by tomorrow, they'll get a new box from Alfa.

bet your glad it's in warranty

You better believe it!

I bought it for £3,300, it had about £400 of work done to get it sorted before i would accept it. The original quote for the work was "from £950 upwards, depending on the damage to the syncros and gears".

It's getting to the point that it would almost be a write off!