Maybe it's the Torque Converter? (video)

[tbone]

Grasping at straws here. Maybe it's the torque converter that's bad, not the tranny? Have a listen please.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SiAvwrVLWOA&feature=youtu.be

[Blackened300a]

That's the sound of a pump whining. Is the converter installed properly?

[tbone]

That's the sound of a pump whining. Is the converter installed properly?

It's the original in the car, at least since I bought it. And the trans slips to the point that the car won't move.

Is the pump inside the trans? The pump isn't the stator in the TC is it? Pardon my ignorance, but this is all new to me. I've been doing research, but can't find all the answers to my questions. Confusing as hell.

[justbob]

No leaks at the pump? I have never attemped to check pressures manually after the T/C, but the plug for it is on the drivers side towards the front. Not even sure what pressure to check for, but shouldn't be hard to google? Depending on what pressure you should see, I would imagine just a water pressure gauge like I use at work would work. They have them readily available at depot.

Sent from my Ally while ruling the world from my toilet.

[tbone]

It has been wet down there, to the point where I wanted to change the tailshaft seal. But it doesn't leave puddles.

[justbob]

But the front is dry?

Sent from my Ally while ruling the world from my toilet.

[tbone]

I'm not sure exactly where it came from. Definitely not the tailshaft seal. Before the tailshaft assembly upon further inspection.

Where is the pump located? In the trans or between the TC and the trans?

[justbob]

Between the T/C and trans. It bolts to the front and the T/C slides into it.

Sent from my Ally while ruling the world from my toilet.

[tbone]

Ah. Well, maybe that's all I need. (?)

[CameronVic]

Can't believe no one asked this, have you checked the fluid level? I did a JMOD once and we didn't put enough fluid back in, and the car barely moved. Terrified, we shut the car off, put 2 more quarts in, and all was good.

[tbone]

I'm anal about it till the last drop. Had the system flushed just to be sure and no dice.

[Blackened300a]

It's the original in the car, at least since I bought it. And the trans slips to the point that the car won't move.

Is the pump inside the trans? The pump isn't the stator in the TC is it? Pardon my ignorance, but this is all new to me. I've been doing research, but can't find all the answers to my questions. Confusing as hell.


There are two clicks when installing the converter to the input shaft, the first click is for the clutch, the second is for the pump. I heard that a mallet may be needed to get it to slide all the way down and I have heard that the tranny will bolt up even if the converter isn't fully seated. Maybe Darren will chime in with more info. Thats very similar to the whine my trans had when it would warm up. It slipped once and was fixed with a fluid and filter swap. It may be the pump on its way out and its not building pressure to apply the forward clutches. Any bubbles in the fluid?

[tbone]

None that I've seen. When the pump goes, does it send particles all over, contaninating the trans? What goes wrong with the pump?

[Blackened300a]

None that I've seen. When the pump goes, does it send particles all over, contaninating the trans? What goes wrong with the pump?

Try giving this guy Alan from dirtydog performance a call. (513) 898-1580. He's a expert on these trannies and sells parts. He can give you some insight to what you are up against and what remedies there may be.

[ctrlraven]

That sounds like the pump to me.

Did it start doing this before or after you had the system flushed?

[tbone]

Before. It started only at WOT and went way south really quick.

[ctrlraven]

Before. It started only at WOT and went way south really quick.
Whats the color and smell of the fluid and how many miles are on the car now?

[tbone]

The fluid was always kept fresh.

[ctrlraven]

I'm talking about the fluid right now.

[tbone]

It was fine - not burnt and red. Then I had it flushed again, but it didn't help.

[MyBlackBeasts]

Noise is trans pump. Either fluid passage is blocked which is starving the pump or pump itself is out. (I have to assume when fluid flushed they replaced filter? Plugged filter or filter O-ring missing/cocked/not sealing will cause all the symptoms also)

If above all ok, your description leads me to suspect gear in pump may have cracked under WOT load and is now not producing pressure = car won't move.

If dropping pan you find filter ok, O-ring/seal properly engaged and no pile of debris in bottom of pan, pulling trans is only way to confirm problem - which also allows repair/replace to correct. Good luck!

[tbone]

Noise is trans pump. Either fluid passage is blocked which is starving the pump or pump itself is out. (I have to assume when fluid flushed they replaced filter? Plugged filter or filter O-ring missing/cocked/not sealing will cause all the symptoms also)

If above all ok, your description leads me to suspect gear in pump may have cracked under WOT load and is now not producing pressure = car won't move.

If dropping pan you find filter ok, O-ring/seal properly engaged and no pile of debris in bottom of pan, pulling trans is only way to confirm problem - which also allows repair/replace to correct. Good luck!

I pulled the pan and checked everything. No debris in pan and filter was snug. I replaced it after jmod a couple years ago.

The whole thing started not long after a 140 mph run.....

So you think it's just the pump? That would be great.

[MyBlackBeasts]

I pulled the pan and checked everything. No debris in pan and filter was snug. I replaced it after jmod a couple years ago.

The whole thing started not long after a 140 mph run.....

So you think it's just the pump? That would be great.

Drop the trans, tear it apart & see what it is or if not able to take to tech for diagnosis.

This type of trans repair is a way to head things off. If pump bad, a couple hundred $$ in parts for master rebuild kit and a new pump = cheap new trans.

[CameronVic]

After 140mph run? Did you go into OD at WOT? Could burning up the OD create debris that damaged the pump?

[tbone]

Could be I guess. But I found no debris at the pan magnet.

[MyBlackBeasts]

Could be I guess. But I found no debris at the pan magnet.

Trans wear/failure creates debris that is non-magnetic. Aluminum, plastic, SS, clutch material. This gets sucked in to filter which plugs it up causing pump fluid starvation = car no move.

I have had clients drive a car with no trans maintenence until clutch wear particles plugged the filter up and had to tow it in to shop. Change fluid & filter and down the road they went. Shortened the trans lifespan but got more time before having to replace trans or trade car before expense.

This is why the 1st thing done with a trans issue is new filter & fluid. If still a problem, move to next step.

If you can't directly diagnose a problem you start with simple/easy & obvious then move up the line.

Good luck!

[tbone]

If the relatively new filter is clogged with debris, then I might as well get a new trans.

If not, I think I might just get a new pump and upgrade the TC. I can't decide what to do. I have to wait to take it in until I get the money together for a full swap, just in case. I don't want to pay storage fees.

[Bradley G]

the new trans may have had a similar history.
at least you know your tranny:D
If the relatively new filter is clogged with debris, then I might as well get a new trans.

If not, I think I might just get a new pump and upgrade the TC. I can't decide what to do. I have to wait to take it in until I get the money together for a full swap, just in case. I don't want to pay storage fees.

[tbone]

the new trans may have had a similar history.
at least you know your tranny:D

We need to talk......See you at Zack's........

[tbone]

I ordered up a new pump and a high perfromance rebuild kit from Oregon Performance Transmissions, and a Roadrunner 10" TC with a 2800-3200 stall good to 750 hp on ebay. Now I need a good shop.

[Bradley G]

You are gonna be so happy with the way the car leaves

[tbone]

I sold my trailer so it's party time!

[Bradley G]

I like the way the Marauder feels with a good matched convertor, now it's time for lil' sis to get her turn

[babbage]

I pulled the pan and checked everything. No debris in pan and filter was snug. I replaced it after jmod a couple years ago.

The whole thing started not long after a 140 mph run.....


140 with 4.10's will make the trans fluid (and trans) very hot. I'd bet it's heat that may have helped kill it. Get a deep finned trans pan with drain plug and a new Long transmission cooler on your new transmission after it's fixed or replaced would be my suggestion. Forced lube kit would be good too.

On the highway with 4.10's at 80 the trans will get very hot after a few minutes, get a Scanguage II to monitor temps.

[CameronVic]

Your scangauge has trans temps? Mine that I have on my 04 doesn't.

[Bradley G]

The Ex-Cal III and a laptop has that capability
Your scangauge has trans temps? Mine that I have on my 04 doesn't.

[MENINBLK]

I ordered up a new pump and a high perfromance rebuild kit from Oregon Performance Transmissions, and a Roadrunner 10" TC with a 2800-3200 stall good to 750 hp on ebay. Now I need a good shop.

You should have ordered a 10.25" Circle D PRO Stage III Torque Converter
with a Multidisc Clutch and 3000 - 3200 stall speed !!!

[tbone]

You should have ordered a 10.25" Circle D PRO Stage III Torque Converter
with a Multidisc Clutch and 3000 - 3200 stall speed !!!

Yeah, ok. $1100. Sure. I'll get right on it.

[tbone]

My Roadrunner TC showed up yesterday. $345. Looks beefy. Monday it goes in along with the HP rebuild.

[CameronVic]

Yeah, ok. $1100. Sure. I'll get right on it.LMFAO (I only put the parenthesis because for some dumb reason, posts have to be 10 characters.)

[tbone]

$345 is affordable.