Howdy,

There's an '82 242 locally that's in okay shape, but has m46 overdrive trouble. The guy who's got it doesn't know a thing about them (he's an Alpha Romeo guy); it was traded to him for some work he did and it needed a clutch, so he put in a clutch. I drove it and it's okay, but the overdrive just barely transmits torque in reverse. Fowards gears, including OD, are normal, though a little noisy. Reverse freewheels loudly then grabs violently with any sort of gas application. It'll creep along slowly if you just ease the clutch out.

So...What are the chances that this guy just put the wrong fluid in the tranny? Could that be the sole cause of this problem, or is this definitely a prexisting mechanical issue from before his clutch job? Secondly, is there any other type of fluid beyond synthetic AFT Type F that you'd recommened for trying to limp it along for a little while longer. I'm hoping for a cheap and easy improvement here as I don't really have the time or inclination to swap trannies, and rebuilding an overdrive is a little beyond me. A quick fluid change sounds about right, though!

I really like the 2-door K-Jet stick-shift combo, so it's hard to pass on it. And of course I don't mind driving a car with minimal/no reverse; the wife however...she likes her critter comforts. Any input is appreciated. Thanks!

Jon McKeon
currently: 85 + 92 244s, 87 + 88 245s, 94 944