700R4 trans help needed
Thread Starter
5th Gear
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 5
Likes: 0
From: Woodbine NJ
700R4 trans help needed
My '90 had a minor ocassional shudder when shifting into OD. A "friend" said it was in need of a TV cable adjustment which he did. For free. I sure got my money's worth. Now I have serious trouble. I getting bad slippage in 3rd and OD. I made it home in 2nd gear. The car still shifts in and out of 1st and reverse solidly. The 1-2 shift still seems fine. 2nd gear still seems solid. I know the clutchs must've taken in on the chin getting me home, but if they were finished, I assume I'd lose all 4 gears, or they'd at least be weak. I checked the oil, and yes, it smells fried. I picked up a filter and pan gasket set along with cherry juice, but before i crawl in the dirt, I have some questions.
Is there a "right" way to adjust the TV cable?
Is a trip to Aamco transmissions for a "power-flush" worth the time?
Am I screwed and now need a trans overhaul?
OK, I realize the last question is silly and there's no way to diagnose the problem without seeing the car (I own a custom Harley shop). But I'm a bike guy and have limited knowlege with cars. Hoping y'all can bail me outa this...
Is there a "right" way to adjust the TV cable?
Is a trip to Aamco transmissions for a "power-flush" worth the time?
Am I screwed and now need a trans overhaul?
OK, I realize the last question is silly and there's no way to diagnose the problem without seeing the car (I own a custom Harley shop). But I'm a bike guy and have limited knowlege with cars. Hoping y'all can bail me outa this...
Race Director
Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 17,298
Likes: 33
From: The Top of Utah
Re: 700R4 trans help needed (Graybeard)
1.) Is there a "right" way to adjust the TV cable?
2.) Is a trip to Aamco transmissions for a "power-flush" worth the time?
3.) Am I screwed and now need a trans overhaul?
OK, I realize the last question is silly and there's no way to diagnose the problem without seeing the car (I own a custom Harley shop).
2.) Is a trip to Aamco transmissions for a "power-flush" worth the time?
3.) Am I screwed and now need a trans overhaul?
OK, I realize the last question is silly and there's no way to diagnose the problem without seeing the car (I own a custom Harley shop).
2.) Too late.
3.) Yes.
Not a silly question. You can save some time and money, if you skip 1 and 2, at this point, and jump right to #3. Do you have a trans guy, you know and trust? Let him test drive it. Past experience verifies my diagnoses. Get a second opinion, then schedule the "surgery".
RACE ON!!!
Drifting
Joined: Oct 2001
Posts: 1,463
Likes: 0
From: Lancaster CA
Cruise-In III Veteran
Re: 700R4 trans help needed (CFI-EFI)
:iagree: ...
...I learned this from experience...I also lost third gear.
...this also forced me to learn how to rebuild my '85s 700R4.
...I learned this from experience...I also lost third gear.
...this also forced me to learn how to rebuild my '85s 700R4.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 773
Likes: 0
From: amherstdale wv
Re: 700R4 trans help needed (Midnight89)
your first and second gear is on what they call band. but the 3rd and od run on clutchs if the tv cable is not adjusted right it will burn the clutchs up in no time depending on your driving habits .. have it rebuilt ASAP if not you will begin to damage hard parts in the tranny.. like forward spraggs and so on ! good luck !!! :thumbs:
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 5,192
Likes: 1
From: Airport Cruise-in 1 Veteran Airport Cruise-in 2 Veteran
Cruise-In II Veteran
Re: 700R4 trans help needed (Graybeard)
:iagree: It's time for a rebuild. :(
I went through the same scenario last year. I had to drive 15miles to get home and then another 10 miles to the trans shop all in 2nd. :crazy:
I went through the same scenario last year. I had to drive 15miles to get home and then another 10 miles to the trans shop all in 2nd. :crazy:
Advanced
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 62
Likes: 0
From: Montevallo AL
Re: 700R4 trans help needed (Graybeard)
My 91 had the same problem. I went through all the preliminary checks i.e., throttle valve cable adjustment, new fliud and filter, flushed everything, checked the governor and shift valves. None of this worked. I finally broke down, bought and installed a new 700R4 made by Performance Transmission out of Louisanna. Have not looked back since. :cheers:
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Racer
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 473
Likes: 8
From: Shreveport LA
Re: 700R4 trans help needed (Graybeard)
I plopped down close to 3K for the most bulletproof 700R4 I could find about a year ago. If this one goes south anytime soon, I'm going directly for a 6-speed swap. There's that old saying that "you can't polish a turd". :lol: Some people praise the 700R4, but probably twice as many folks berate it as a weakly engineered piece of machinery. I figured I'd try to find out first hand rather than rely on the widely varying opinions I've heard.
I do know that there are certain techniques (such as downshifting at high rpm) that should never be practiced with the 700R4. That's how I blew the last one.
I do know that there are certain techniques (such as downshifting at high rpm) that should never be practiced with the 700R4. That's how I blew the last one.
Advanced
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 77
Likes: 0
From: Calimesa California
Re: 700R4 trans help needed (ROME)
The 3-4 clutch pack is the major weak point in these units, as you've just seen. There are a few things that can be done to improve this transmission immensely. If you have any questions, let me know?
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 5,556
Likes: 0
From: Jenison MI
Cruise-In VI Veteran
Cruise-In VII Veteran
St. Jude Donor '06
Re: 700R4 trans help needed (Probuilt)
The 3-4 clutch pack is the major weak point in these units, as you've just seen. There are a few things that can be done to improve this transmission immensely. If you have any questions, let me know?
