If your fluid is clean and not burned I would pull the valve body and get it rebuilt. Something is going on in there.

Sounds like you are trying to torture test it, based on the long-running concerns and the overadjustment.

Maybe rent another car for a week and have this one fixed.


Only a handful of us here have taken one completely apart and fewer have repaired them. They guys here that know how to troubleshoot and repair them don't contribute actively on that subject from a DIY perspective.

That also means there is a wide-open opportunity to "Dwayne" R&R one for the benefit of all! Its really a gap.

Not trying to torture test it, I just have no choice but to use the car. Can't afford to rent a car on a public servant's salary.

Based on this post I would go back to the beginning, specifically, a very careful, by the book check of fluid level. That probably sounds a little condescending, but after struggling with some similar issues with mine, that (and a new reservoir cap, the one the PO put on it said "Ford") fixed it. (BTW, look at that cap closely- correct seal? fits properly, NO CRACKS on it or the reservoir threaded area?) And the vacuum at the modulator sounds suspect, so I would investigate that as well, but the primary problem really sounds like fluid level, esp. from the comment "I checked the fluid again and it's about 0.3 liters high". The great Steve Cattaneo convinced me that I should look here first, and he was right- I am just passing along his wisdom.

I do plan to drain off those 0.3liters when i get a chance. I won't be going home from the office tonight, but this weekend I should have time.

Ok, well, dropped the pan...quite a bit of clutch material in there. Trans is done. Called Master Tech Trans. $2700-2800

Master Tech...is that Steve C? Hope you get it sorted out soon.

It is indeed Steve C. He's good, right?

Sorry to hear the transmission is toast.

I dont know parts prices in USA, but for nearly $3,000 (excluding mounting costs??) it might be worthwile considering replacing the transmission with a used one.

Cheers
Michel

The $2600-2800 is pulled and reinstalled if I drive the car up there and drop it off. I don't like doing the same repair twice, and given that the car is making twice the power it left the factory with, I know I will be with another used trans. I know I could get other rebuilt trans for $1500 and put it in myself, but my understanding is Steve C has a good reputation with these transmissions and has improved clutches and valve body springs etc.

Ok that makes sense.
I also read on the forum here, that Steve C is the guru of auto transmissions, so you should be in good hands :-)

Dropped the car off on Sunday. Can't wait to get it back.

Yep mine is toast as well.. did it this week, lots of friction material in the pan.
Having it rebuilt with a hi stall torque converter.. should make the car a bit more exciting.
Hope your rebuild goes well
Oceaneer

I thought about doing a high stall, but mine is a daily so I'm leaving it as is. How high are you going?

Well, I got the car back, and the trans worked great...for 2 days. Came to a stop light, went to pull away when it turned green and...nothing. No forward gear. Reverse works. Feels just like it did when the B-2 blew on the old transmission. Steve says he'll make it right, but man what a pain this is. Thank goodness for a good woman who is letting me use her car.