Auto Trans. Rebuilds

[apowell@ezlink.com]

Prompted by recent comments about auto trans rebuildings...

I just discovered one critical factor in transmission rebuilds - 
because I got caught by it!

NOTE: ANY time you replace the hydraulic pump in the 3-speeds 
(5K 100/200 series, perhaps 4K series...) it is VERY importnt to 
pull the plate off the bottom of the pump and check the gears 
inside.  There is an UP and a DOWN to each gear - and if they are 
inserted upside down, you do not get proper pressure in the tranny. 
This means you will burn up bands, clutches, etc.

Guess what the reason is that my tranny failed 43K miles after a 
complete rebuild.....yup.  I'm not sure that it was the last rebuilder's 
fault, as he may have simply installed the pump as it came from 
the manufacturer...but this problem will cost me another $1500.  
Sigh.

I am impressed with the thorough and methodical approach of the 
gent on the N. side of Denver who is doing my current rebuild - but I 
will drive the car for a while before passing any recommendations 
to the list.  The fact that he caught the gear problem is evidence 
that he has really been looking for the cause of the failure.

I have discovered that more and more local shops just don't rebuild 
these trannies - they order rebuilts from any of a few specialists.  
One of the best local shops here orders rebuilts from some place in 
Oregon. 
++++++++++++++++++++WSU-CSU+++++++++++++++++
Al Powell
Apowell@EZlink.com
1958 Fiat 1200 Spyder "Transformabile"
1983 Datsun 280ZXT
1990 Audi 200
http://www.ezlink.com/~powells/
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++