Berlingo gearbox wanted urgently!!!

[gembee]

Hi,
I've successfully destroyed the gearbox in my Berlingo van (totally without any warning signs) and am trying to obtain a replacement. My mechanic has quoted over $3K for used replacement units. Together with labour this kind of makes it not worth repairing. So can anyone help with a cheaper used gearbox for a Berlingo, or point me in the direction of any wrecks etc. I am in Sydney, but anywhere in Australia is no problem. If no luck I'll try sourcing one from overseas but once again, it is only worth it up to a certain point.
Contact me on 02 96602549 or leave message here.
Thanks,
Glenn

 

[gibgib]

I can't help you directly but I believe a Xsara gearbox will also fit if you are ringing around wrecking yards.

What happened to it?

 

[gembee]

The gearbox had no oil in it. Eventually seized up from overheating. Thing is there was very little warning. Gears started becoming hard to change and eventually locked into 4th or 5th and stayed there, thus being undriveable. I thought maybe the clutch cable was playing up or needed adjustment.
My fault I guess for not checking the gearbox oil, but hey who does that.?

 

[gibgib]

Gee OK, fair to say it is destroyed.

Reason I asked, I had the bearings go in my first Berlingo gearbox. It was giving out some shocking noises towards the end but was rectified by bearing replacement.

Wrecked Berlingo's appear at auctions every so often but you wouldn't know where they ended up.

There was a Berlingo for sale in Brisbane for around $3500 a few months ago. You could grab the gearbox from a similar "cheapy" & perhaps part the rest of the van out & get some $ back.
Importing would be expensive & transit time consuming.

 

[Alan S]

You'll probably reckon I'm bonkers, but on my past experience with Citroen gearboxes, it still may be redeemable.
I drove a CX for ages with about a cupful (at most) of oil in the box. (Don't ask or you'll get me going on "specialists again)
When I eventually found it following a long fast trip followed by strange noises and impossible gearchanges, the oil was changed/filled and the car driven for about 6 or 7 years thereafter and was still coing strong when it was written off. Only residual problem was an occasional slow synchro from 3rd to 4th.
Presuming it is still going and in one piece, I'd be trying a refill of oil (possibly my old favourite Castrol VMX80 if that's anywhere near the recommended rating) and giving it a double dose of Nulon G70 or similar. If it's a goer, run it for a week or so and then dump the oil and refill. After all, if the box is stuffed it can't do any harm and if it works, it'll save you heaps.
Based on several other low oil in the gearbox experiences I've come across, gearboxes don't usually seize as in overheat, glow, everything welds itself together, as there is no heat source in a gearbox as there is in an engine and usually the seizing can be caused by a few bits of crap getting inside a bearing or something similar.
The additive will help wash that out as well as coat the surfaces and IMHO is well worth a go.
If the car is at a repairers, don't be surprised if he scoffs at the idea, after all, no money in doing it this way.
Out of curiosity; how did the gearbox ever get dry? They aren't renowned for "burning" oil.


Alan S

 

[gembee]

Hi Alan,
The van is presently at Denton's in European Autocare in Penrith. He has pulled the box out and that was his prognosis. The metal in the gear has discoloured due to heat and the box was empty of oil. I will sound out your ideas with him though, as you said, I've got nothing really to lose.
Both he and myself have contacted a few people around the place and there a couple of used low mileage boxes available here in Sydney, but the wreckers want $2500-$3000 for them. Continentals has a brand new one for just under $4k, but these prices plus labour kind of makes it uneconomical to repair it.
I've posted on the UK forum and some people have said boxes can be picked up for around 150-200 Euro or 300-400 pounds. This might be the best option for me to follow. I'm sure even factoring in shipping or air freight it would be significantly cheaper.
Another option would be to go over there myself, have a holiday, pick up a gearbox and carry it back myself with my luggage!!!!!!!
As to how it ran out of oil in the first place, I purchased the van cheaply last year and it seemed to perform okay on a test drive. Checked all the obvious like engine oil, brake and water levels, but didn't check the gearbox oil. I knew it was a bit of a gamble when I bought it at the price, unfortunately it didn't work out.
Any other suggestions most welcome.

 

[Alan S]

Gearboxes are a pretty tough piece of equipment. Can or has he turned it over with oil in it???
Gears in mine were a "pretty" colour too but it didn't worry it too much. As I say, it couldn't glow as there's no heat source; worst case scenario would be bearings but I reckon if you can at least get it mobile and if it's not up to scratch, you've then got the time to find another.
There's been a few Stautory write offs gone through the auctions and one of those for say a grand might be a good option; grab the box and sell what's left intoto or as bits and possibly cost you nothing.


Alan S