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After chasing down the over heating issue, now I’m getting metal filings in my transmission pan. Can this mean anything other than a rebuild? Supposedly the transmission was rebuilt just before I bought it (~1000 miles ago). But I don’t trust the guy I bought it from and the number he gave me is a shade-tree mechanic who doesn’t speak English. Still trying to verify what the mechanic actually did to it.
If during the rebuild, they didn't flush the cooling lines and the cooler, then it is possible there were metal flakes still floating around from when the tranny failed. These filings get filtered out by the tranny filter and should not get into the rebuilt tranny.
Thank you for the hope Allora.
Here's the full story:
Bought van that had supposedly had transmission recently rebuilt @ ~96000 miles. 2000 year model.
It started shifting funny and the O/D trans temp light was coming on (~45 mile drive home from where I bought it).
I took it to the mechanic who replaced the speed sensor. This corrected the shifting issue, but not the trans temp & O/D issue.
Took it to a different mechanic (since original one doesn't do transmission work).
New mechanic noticed kinked cooler line near tranny supposedly pinching off flow.
Replaced cooler line.
Did not correct issue. Returned to mechanic.
Diagnosed failed temp sensor due to computer reading 260 deg. trans fluid while pan was at 200 deg.
Replaced temp sensor (and a few other things). Invoice image attached. Note that it says the trans fluid was removed and replaced, but not flushed.
Had some issues sealing up pan. Wound up getting new pan installed (comped by the shop for the trouble). (one or two more pan drops here)
Seemed to be fixed. Drove on 150 mile camping trip. No issues
On the way back, O/D light came on.
O/D light turned off after I stopped and restarted the vehicle (such as after getting gas) and only came on again once I got into town and slowed down.
Mechanic drops pan because it's still leaking (supposedly boogered up threads on the case caused the pan to not seal right. Comped the service to fix those due to trouble).
Mechanic still doesn't know why the O/D light is coming on until mechanic notices shavings. Had not mentioned shavings in the prior dropped pans (3? at this point).
Still worth a flush before taking it to a trans shop to rebuild?
Need to see what trans temp is doing when the O/D off light comes on. Is it actually getting hot? Generally, the PCM will disable O/D when temp gets too high, if temp continues to rise, the trans temp light will come on as well. The sensor changed in 2000..... but, the connector for it changed as well. If he is installing the correct model year sensor for the van, and you are still seeing issues.... A flush *might* help, but, I suspect the damage is already done.
Those are just going to be stock rebuilds. They likely do a volume business, so, not exactly the highest quality parts are installed....
Getting a GOOD rebuild kit, and maybe a 'shift kit', (that also happens to allow the torque converter to charge in park....) is a better idea. Talk to your local trans rebuilders, see what kits they use. Is it just stock, or is it better than stock??
So update... flushed to clean out the cooler. Then dropped the pan again and metal in the pan from just test driving. The trans shop says it's a failing torque converter.
I'm thinking I'll pull the trans myself and take it to them or buy a rebuilt like the one above.
HeyYou, how do I know what is a good rebuild kit or shift kit? Also, I heard something about a billet torque converter or upgraded valve body?
I read that the billet torque offers lower stall and better lockup. What does that refer to?
Thanks in advance. I've really appreciated all of ya'lls advice.
HeyYou, did you happen to check out the remanufactured site? It says it addresses most of the upgrades/concerns you mentioned. I guess the main question is can you trust them.
"Fully remanufactured valve body includes updated throttle valve, manual valve, 4-spool switch valve, and pressure regulator valve for improved shifting, lubrication, and performance.
Modified valve body allows torque converter charge in park to increase durability and enhance gear engagements.
Fully remanufactured torque converter is tested for leaks, lockup, concentricity, and balance. Upgrades exceed OE requirements and eliminate the possibility of front seal leaks, premature bushing wear, and vibration. Diesel and heavy-duty gasoline applications include new lock-up lining.
Overdrive (OD) direct clutch updated to 8-plate clutch with new thrust plate for increased durability.
Overdrive (OD) clutch updated to 4-plate clutch for increased durability.
Overdrive (OD) planetary assembly upgraded to a 5-pinion unit for increased durability.
Oversized Low/Reverse brake band strut maintains correct band clearance to eliminate drum slippage and No-Reverse condition.
Custom-machined output shaft to fit both late- and earlystyle driveshaft yokes.
New external fluid cooler provided to improve cooling and prevent fluid contamination.
All-new custom-spec bushings improve internal fluid flow control and pressures.
Bushings and machined surfaces polished to a mirror-like OE finish of 16 RA or less.
Every transmission is cold-and hot-tested using a proprietary dynamometer testing program that includes fully synthetic automatic transmission fluid and a filtration system."
Well, they certainly address a lot of the weak points in the trans, and you will be able to check fluid level in park as well. Always a plus.
As for their reputation... That, I don't know. Check reviews online at sites OTHER THAN theirs... see what folks have to say. Also, see what their warranty covers, and what requirements there are for it. Most will want the trans installed by a certified shop.....
Metal filings in transmission
Always a plus.