[Shotimes] ATX symptoms (semi OT)

[Robert Bruce]

If the fluid is burnt, the damage is already done.  The patient is on
borrowed time.  Change the fluid/filter and maybe add some Lucas trans
additive.  You may make a few days or weeks, but months are not likely.

A few key elements will make the next trans last a lot longer:
1) Make sure a Transgo kit is installed to the new/rebuilt trans.  Be sure
to verify that the entire Transgo conversion is done as some shops just do a
partial kit install.  I can send you the Transgo instructions so you can
familiarize yourself with the process.
2) Add a big oil cooler to the system.  The wagon takes a lot more
horsepower to move it at a performance level similar to the sedan.  You will
need all the cooling help you can get in the summer.  You may even need to
consider a separate electric fan to supplement cooling.
3) Add a temp gauge to the trans pan.  I silver soldered a bushing to the
side of the atx pan for the sender.  The sender conveniently doubles as a
drain plug for future fluid changes.  Silver solder works fine since it has
a 375 deg F melting point.  If the atx fluid gets hot enough to melt the
solder, the trans has already burned up anyway.

Robert Bruce
93 atx



-----Original Message-----
From: shotimes-admin@autox.team.net
[mailto:shotimes-admin@autox.team.net]On Behalf Of van Oss
Sent: Saturday, January 31, 2004 2:37 PM
To: shotimes@autox.team.net
Subject: [Shotimes] ATX symptoms (semi OT)


I marked this "semi OT" because the SHO wagon still has its 3.8L/AXOD
drivetrain with 115K.  Wondering about keeping it on the road until I can do
the drivetrain swap.

The AXOD tranny has these symptoms:

-- When cold, it does not want to shift out of 1st.  Once it warms up, it
shifts smoothly.

-- When cold, coasting as we approach to a stoplight, it will clunk hard
(downshifting 2-1, perhaps?)

-- Local tranny shop says fluid is a little burnt, and they can't get it to
downshift for passing.  (Haven't had a chance to try that myself.)

I don't know beans about ATXs.  Does this sound like a tranny needing a
rebuild?  Or might I be able to get by for another few K-miles by just
swapping the fluid?

VO
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