Transmission Woes in Connecticut: Part 2

[fatcatbenz]

Saga continues

Ureka the '85 300 Turbo with 160k miles now shifts. Thanks to all for the advice.

I used the Trans-X product for about 30 miles then changed the fluid and filter (transmission pan clean) but no improvement.

Tried the Lucas Oil transmission fix product-very thick-used 2 quarts- and after about 100-150 miles the transmission shifts again.

Changed the fluid (and added a quart of Trans-X)-will likely change fluid and filter after another 200-300 miles.

My question is how long will this "fix" last and is there any advice out there on special care and feeding of the transmission beyond normal fluid/filter changes?

If the long term fix means transmission replacement, I would welcome anyone's suggestion on avoiding the Dealer's quote of $6700.

Thanks.

[GottaDiesel]

$6700? LOLOL

Did you try calling around to some independents? Try that. Call them, tell them you need a complete remove/rebuild/install -- and ask them the cost.

Then, try some transmission places. Avoid AAMCOs and places like that... you MAY be able to find a gut that will pull the trans for you on loaction. Then you can bring the trans, have it rebuilt, and pay to have it put back in.

I certainly, IN NO WAY spend $6700 @ a dealer.

My 2 cents.

[fatcatbenz]

My local repair station told me he would not touch a MB transmission and that's why I ended up at the Dealer.

Right now it seems to shift although my intention is to fiddle with the MV to improve its performance somewhat

My real question is am I on a dead end road with the transmission -meaning is it likely to give up the ghost completely in a short period of time?

Does anyone have a recommendation for transmission replacement/repair in the Westerly, RI area

[JerryBro]

I'm not a tranny guy and I don't play one on tv, but I did just finish disassembnling and repairing the tranny on my 84. That said, auto trannies are not the big hairy monsters I thought they were. I would suspect that you had some blocked passages in your valve body that were cleaned out by using the transx and lucas snake oils. Keep using the transx for a few changes to keep cleaning the passages. Ensure the bowden is adjusted properly, that the vacuum modulator is getting good vacuum and is capable of holding it. Adjust the modulator to make it shift right, be sure the alda line is clean. Then put in some good tranny fluid and give it a go. If it shifts good, and doesn't flare, you're probably fine.

If you want to replace it. See if your indy will do the swap for a couple hundred bucks and buy a rebuilt from Sun Valley in CA. 2 year warranty.

Good Luck.