Re: auto trans - bad indications

[jadney@vwtype3.org (Melissa & Jim)]

>Dan Hirth wrote:
>> 
>> Just a couple of days ago, my auto trans started drifting into neutral
>> when shifting from 2 to 3.  It wasn't too bad, but just caused a
>> momentary panick attack.  First thing, checked the fluid - good, but I
>> topped it off just in case.  That didn't do it.  Next, I check for
>> vacuum leaks.  there were many possible leaks.  I replaced all vacuum
>> tubing.  Hopefuly this will do the trick.  The problem seems worse under
>> heavy acceleration (pulling onto a highway), and was easied by letting
>> off the gas.
>> 
>> I'll test it tomorrow, but I had to wait for some RTV to dry. 
>
>It worked!  No more hesitation/missing third for about 2-3 secs.  Maybe
>I'll have a reprieve from a big overhaul for a while.  I'd rather save
>up for these things, rather than doing work on credit.  So any idea
>about US$ to recondition a frozen T3 block (stock, not hi-perf.)?  I'm
>just looking for a ball-park figure so that maybe I can save up enough
>dough for a summer project.
> 
The only vacuum hose that should have an effect on AT shifting is the hose 
from the lower right side of the intake air distrubutor to the vacuum 
modulator on the AT, and that should only have affected the speed at which 
the shift occured. Of course if the car now wants to shift at a higher speed 
that can make up for a worn pump in the AT.  What else did you do that you 
think might have had an effect?

I have had very good luck with RIMCO for machine work on cases.  This is one 
area where I take issue with Gene Berg, OTOH his emphasis is on racing and 
high performance, mine is on economy and longevity.  At any rate, RIMCO just 
reworks your case, you have to strip it down and rebuild it.

The secret to rebuilding is twofold: find someone who cares as much as you 
do about turning out a good job, and find someone who REALLY knows what they 
are doing.  If you do it yourself the first part is taken care of, all you 
have to do is educate yourself.  Be prepared for a long learning curve.

Jim
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       Melissa Kepner                                    Jim Adney
       jadney@vwtype3.org              jadney@vwtype3.org
                             Laura Kepner-Adney
                             Madison, Wisconsin
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