Transmission problem or what?

GeorgeB · #1 (**permalink**) 06-01-2009, 06:45 AM

Yesterday afternoon I went out for a brief drive after washing the car (1990 Spider, with about 62,000 miles on it and no major service since I've moved to Charlotte), and something "interesting" happened. I saw, late into the intersection, a road I wanted to take, and braked hard and downshifted from 4th into 3rd while coming off some decent acceleration just over the crest of a hill.

As I made the turn and put it into 2nd, I got a big burst of white smoke and (even though the car went into 2nd ok) there was a loud 'tat-tat-tat-tat-tat-tat" sound from below, and it didn't seem to be grabbing the gear so the engine could move the car.

I let off on the gas, and coasted for a second or two, took it out of gear and then back in, and all was fine. But that's the second or third time I've had this happen...only when cornering, and accompanying a shift in gears.

I don't drive the car much--it's a garage car these days of little money to spend keeping it up--so all I'm able to do is change the oil and add brake fluid. Any thoughts on what this is?

**Gubi** · #2 (**permalink**) 06-01-2009, 08:43 AM

Are you in fact losing brake fluid? White smoke might be fluid leaking into the booster under hard braking.

GeorgeB · #3 (**permalink**) 06-01-2009, 12:54 PM

I am, for sure, leaking brake fluid. And that would be a good thing, I guess--less expensive fix--if that were all it was. It's the noise and clutch/transmission issue that scares me, since that's something I have no knowledge of at all.

As an aside, I'll just say this--I miss being away from Orange Co., CA for the simple reason that there's no APC (Stewart Sandeman) here in the Charlotte area...as a 'checkbook mechanic' with small kids and no time, it was nice to be able to get the right work done from someone you knew you could trust.

Thanks for any additional info, ideas and/or comments!!!

Elio Comello · #4 (**permalink**) 06-01-2009, 01:30 PM

You may need a new GIUBO (flex joint, coupling the trans to the driveshaft) it is a rubber "donut" that cracks with age, an easy home garage fix, part not expensive...and easy to inspect.
The white smoke is a different issue probably brake fluid related, brake fluid being sucked into engine via brake booster hose.
Best regards, Elio

GuyC · #5 (**permalink**) 06-01-2009, 01:38 PM

George....

we do indeed ( as of last month) have a genuine Alfa mechanic in Charlotte.

Giuseppe LoRe of Alfa Import Center has moved his shop (and family ) to Charlotte, located at 1816 Lucas Lane .

geh458 · #6 (**permalink**) 06-01-2009, 02:01 PM

The white smoke could also indicate a failing/failed head gasket, which would mean the white smoke is steam from water getting sucked into a combustion chamber. Did you happen to notice a sweat smell (antifreeze) to the smoke/steam?

GeorgeB · #7 (**permalink**) 06-02-2009, 08:12 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GuyC

George....

we do indeed ( as of last month) have a genuine Alfa mechanic in Charlotte.

Giuseppe LoRe of Alfa Import Center has moved his shop (and family ) to Charlotte, located at 1816 Lucas Lane .

GeorgeB · #8 (**permalink**) 06-02-2009, 08:15 AM

Didn't notice a sweet smell, but it was a big burst (burp) of heavy white smoke...didn't look like steam since it hung in the air for a long while without dissipating after I'd kept going. But hey, I don't know... ;-)