Transmission question/help
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 107
Likes: 0
From: Cumberland Rhode Island
Transmission question/help
Hi,
I have a 1989 conv with 62000 miles. The other day I was driving and felt the transmission slip. I stopped at a red light and when I took off it shifted from 1st to 2nd but when it went into 3rd, nothing, total slipping. I checked the fluid and it smelt burnt. Transmission rebuild time.
My questions are:
What caused this to happen at 62000 miles?
Is this transmission dependable?
Is this normal for the trans to just die without warning?
How much should I expect to spend on having it rebuilt?
Is there anything I should have done while rebuilding?
Is there anything that I should ask/or keep an eye on at the shop?
Is there anything I can do to prevent this from reacurring?
Any advise and or explanation of how this transmission works or if this is a defect for this transmission would help. I'm just trying to understand if this is normal or how I could have prevented it.
Thanks for your help
Tom
I have a 1989 conv with 62000 miles. The other day I was driving and felt the transmission slip. I stopped at a red light and when I took off it shifted from 1st to 2nd but when it went into 3rd, nothing, total slipping. I checked the fluid and it smelt burnt. Transmission rebuild time.
My questions are:
What caused this to happen at 62000 miles?
Is this transmission dependable?
Is this normal for the trans to just die without warning?
How much should I expect to spend on having it rebuilt?
Is there anything I should have done while rebuilding?
Is there anything that I should ask/or keep an eye on at the shop?
Is there anything I can do to prevent this from reacurring?
Any advise and or explanation of how this transmission works or if this is a defect for this transmission would help. I'm just trying to understand if this is normal or how I could have prevented it.
Thanks for your help
Tom
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 5,141
Likes: 7
From: Metairie Louisiana
While your at it get all heavy duty parts put in, a shift kit, and trans cooler. It's a good time to do a Torque Converter also, if you race it. My trans went out at about 70k miles and it wasnt driven that hard, mostly stock at the time. The trans cooler is supposed to help the transmission last a lot longer. Check out the links below.
http://www.tciauto.com/tech_info/tra...expectancy.htm
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/show....php?t=1471737
http://www.tciauto.com/tech_info/tra...expectancy.htm
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/show....php?t=1471737
Melting Slicks
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 2,135
Likes: 0
From: Sebastian Florida
St. Jude Donor '06
The govenors on these cars are known to fail, check that 1st. Also, how did you check the fluid level?
Need to check it on level ground, at normal temp and engine running in park.
Also, check the filter. If it is clogged, it can cause your symptoms. Do some investigating, before you throw money at the problem.
Need to check it on level ground, at normal temp and engine running in park.
Also, check the filter. If it is clogged, it can cause your symptoms. Do some investigating, before you throw money at the problem.
Race Director
Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 17,298
Likes: 33
From: The Top of Utah
If the only problem were the governor, it wouldn't have shifted first to second. The filter probably IS all plugged up, but the burnt fluid tells the tail. It is toast. Pete K. is the man. He should put in an appearance, here, shortly.
RACE ON!!!
RACE ON!!!
Race Director
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 12,518
Likes: 19
The symptoms you describe are typical 3-4 clutch pack failure. Some die at 50k and some make it to 150k. My theory is that the units that leave the factory with a tighter 3-4 clearance last longer than the ones set on the loose side of specs.
If you decide to have your trans rebuilt locally, the best advise is to let your local shop make the calls regarding parts selection. They are the ones that will warrantee the trans and may have their own " package". There is a huge aftermarket for these transmissions. Sadly, parts are quite high compared to other gm rwd transmissions. I have been told that gm discontinued many years of reman transmissions for the c4. It is a shame. They were fair priced, predictable quality, and great warrantee. If I can offer any help, I certainly will.
If you decide to have your trans rebuilt locally, the best advise is to let your local shop make the calls regarding parts selection. They are the ones that will warrantee the trans and may have their own " package". There is a huge aftermarket for these transmissions. Sadly, parts are quite high compared to other gm rwd transmissions. I have been told that gm discontinued many years of reman transmissions for the c4. It is a shame. They were fair priced, predictable quality, and great warrantee. If I can offer any help, I certainly will.
