I have tolerated a fluid leak from my TH350 for several years. It is not severe but does cause stains on the driveway. I have done the AAMCO thing several times but those jobs were generally ineffectual. Even on such small matters such as the selector shaft where I have read that the seal can score the shaft. The leak persists.

So I bought a new shaft and seal as you can see below. But reality does kick in at some point. And band-aid solutions are just that. So I came to the realization that the front pump seal (24-years-old) is probably in just as bad shape as the front timing cover seal that I removed two weeks ago. It was hard and brittle and had to be chipped out with a screwdriver. Reasonable assumption I believe that I can extrapolate to the transmission. That front seal on the transmission is leaking; noted that when the bell-housing cover was off.

So the transmission has to come off. No problem with that. But here is the question. Should I go with a seal and gasket kit or a transmission rebuild kit? Everything works well at the moment with no apparent slippage. The price for the former is about $32.00US and the latter about $110.00US (GM prices for GM parts). The latter includes friction dics and the like. My thought is to go with the re-build kit while all is dismantled. There will be an extra two-hour labour charge. These parts come from the USA and take 5 days to get here so this is not a case where the transmission comes down and - lo and behold - the friction dics are fried. And I should put that in perspective: I work at a GM dealer and my car cannot tie up a bay. The parts I need must be available when the car comes in for repair!

Last question. Are there alternatives to GM parts? I do not wish to chirp the tires on shifting but is there a better re-build kit out there? Thanks for your advice!






[Modified by paul79, 7:40 PM 8/8/2002]


[Modified by paul79, 8:31 PM 8/8/2002]

 

Hmm - that rebuild kit sounds cheap.

I used the B+M Transkit - which I see is now over $200 at Summit.
It came complete with all components except for the shaft bushings.
You won't know if you "need" new bushings until you tear it down.

The Transkit allows you to rebuild with three options: HD/tow, street/strip,
and racing. I went street/strip which basically incorporates the mods
that you get with a basic shift-kit. WOT = chirps with my lame L48 (100k).

If you can get all the GM components (friction materials, lots o' seals, etc)
for $100 - well that sounds like a good deal.

Weren't you going to sell the '79 ??

PS - Install a drain plug in the pan. B+M recommends B+M fluid - then type F
as a close second - or Dexron if you are totally brand loyal. :seeya

 

new seals should go in before you move into your new house with the perfect garage floor. at least it will look nice for a few years until it begins to leak again.
since the driveway is stained, you are too late :jester

PS: my cars all leak and i am proud of it :lol:

 

Thanks for the advice. I mentally sell the 1979 2 or 3 times a year ;) . But not yet in reality. Have not found a 1992-3 triple white yet. Re price, GM employees do get a pretty decent discount.

 

Thanks Matt. But in spring the asphalt driveway goes and interlocking bricks go in.....

 

I do not normally do a ttt. But I would really appreciate advice on this question. Do I do the re-build kit route or just the seals?

 

I've never liked touching an automatic trans; they've always seemed like magic to me. I also believe that you always run the risk of screwing up an old trans (that hasn't had regular maintenance) just by changing the fluid & filter. I guess I risked the B&M Shift Improver Kit with mine because I figured if I screwed it up I'd have a good excuse to get a 700R4. Luckily, or unluckily for me, it's held up great for the past year & a half (wood :smash: ).

So, if you're not afraid of doing the rebuild (and you don't want to put in a 700R4), then I'd say go for the rebuild. You'll be sure of exactly what you have when you're done.

There are several heavy duty / high performance rebuild kits out there (non-GM) from the catalogs or probably your local performance shop. I'd build it better than it was 24 years ago. :yesnod:

 

I just re-read the post - and I would definitely do the rebuild kit !!! :yesnod:
... and your not talking about doing it yourself, right ?
So, for two hours labor and $78 - it is well worth it.
Unless - of course that triple white come along and you say goodbye to your new tranny. :)

 

No I will not be doing it myself. The transmission specialist at the GM dealer where I work will be doing the job. Because the front seal (main/pump?) has to be replaced the transmission must come out. Mitchell flat rate says about five hours. I will check to see if GM Performance has a heavier duty kit than stock.

 

Paul if you're going to drop the tranny you might as well go through it. I'm going to use the B&M Transkit on my TH400 one of these days. I pulled the tranny 2 years ago!
Gary

 

since you work there, i assume you will get a top notch job, well worth the extra 2 hours cost :yesnod: But be prepared to shell out extra for some unexpected worn parts. Your trans will be like new again.
Tip the guy $20 before he starts; he will take his time and do it right :yesnod:

 

The B&M transkit is about $215.00US. With shipping etc. that would be about $375.00CDN. With my type of mild driving, the GM rebuild kit at $145.00CDN is probably more than adequate. I hear you are not going to Carlisle?


[Modified by paul79, 2:58 PM 8/10/2002]

 

Yes, pretty hefty discount on parts and labour. I watched the fellow who will do the job tackle a late model (year?) Buick Riviera transmission the other day. He is a wizard! And that transmission (model?) is apparently much more complex than a TH350. I think the Mitchell rate is 16 hours for it....But what might be worn that is not included in a rebuild kit?

 

anything that moves could move too much! Lots of parts in there! The kits do include lots of parts, but a careful inspection may turn up other parts that, fixed now, will give you another 24 years. Sometimes a good used part does the trick.

reminds me of when i rebuilt my holley, lots of parts in the kit, but it needed a new throttle base plate $101, now it is like new :cool:

 

Thanks Matt. The car was running and shifting so well this morning I almost hate to touch the darn thing. This may become a before-winter-storage project. As a possible band-aid solution I put in a bottle of Wynn's transmission conditioner (stops leaky seals, etc.) but I do not put a lot of faith in tranny and engine additives. We shall see.

 

Hey Paul,
I was considering not going to Carlisle this year because some of my friends can't make it this year. I think I'll go anyway and enjoy the company of the 60,000 people there!
The B&M kit was just over $200 US when I bought it from Summit ~ 2 years ago :rolleyes:
Sounds like you have a good deal where you're at, so I would have them go through everything and KEEP the 79! Look for the White C4 and get that too :D
Gary


[Modified by gtr1999, 3:53 PM 8/10/2002]

 

Gary,
Well enjoy Carlisle! I can't make it for a number of reasons. Say hello to Joe.

I can't afford two money pits so the 1979 would have to go on the block to get the very nice triple-white. On the other hand a 1988 red convertible was traded in yesterday where I work....clean and mechanically very sound but a 10-foot (some paint chips on the front) car with original interior in need of some TLC/dye treatment but not replacement. Needs a top but Hmmm....perhaps I can postpone the interlocking brick patio....I really must get these thoughts out of my mind. If I remember correctly, 1988 was not a good year for reasons I do not recall.