Trannies

["Al Powell" <apowell@agcom.tamu.edu>]

Tim said:

I would appreciate any comments from of the 100S owners who have had 
auto trans. problems.  Any points on how the problem first started 
and what you did to get it fixed?  Of course I am at 88,000 miles on 
it so this fix is coming out of my pocket.  Any comments would 
greatly be appreciated. Thanks

Tim, I'm a 1990 200 owner with the same tranny.  The autos in the 
84-90 (or 91?) 5K/100/200 cars have a known tendency to wear out the 
seals (actually look more like piston rings) on their hydraulic 
pumps.  When this happens, a rebuild is required, along with 
replacement of the pump which retails for about $600+.  This is the 
same transmission as the VW Vanagon (auto) uses...but tranny shops 
dont like to work on them.

I asked my tranny guy (who is a real character) why this is and he 
said: "The only people in the world who are more picky and a pain in 
the butt than Volvo owners are Audi owners.  That's why."

Heck, I can't argue that!!

At any rate, I had my tranny rebuilt for $1500 (and glad to get it 
done for that) in 1996 or so.  After that, I've run Amsoil ATF and 
will never run anything else.  (Also, BTW, the very strong 
recommendation of the tranny guy.)

Now - let's REALLY stir up the list.  About 6 months ago, the tranny 
was starting to make a slow shift occasionally into reverse, first 
thing in the morning.  One of our fellow listers suggested I 
investigate and try an additive called Militec-1.

I hope I am known for my aversion to additves of any kind, but my 
review of web materials indicated that I'd only be adding 4 ounces of 
it, which I figured couldn't hurt the tranny.  It appeared to be a 
light viscosity oil-like material.

I added Militec-1to the tranny and within one day, the shift problem 
disappeared and has NEVER returned!  Same result for an occasional 
shift problem in my 1985 Chevy pickup with 350 tranny.  I can't 
explain it, but I'll be a believer from now un unless the tranny 
melts down.

Cyber-Nomex on.....
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Al Powell, PhD             Ph:  409/845-2807
Ag Communications          Fax: 409/862-1202
Texas A&M University
http://agcomwww.tamu.edu/agcom/satellit/alpage.htm
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