Well now I have problems

[85burb]

 

Well now I've discovered a few new probs to deal with.

1. The air conditioner compressor is making a rattling noise so it's toast.  

2. The oil pan gasket that mates with the timing cover is leaking and has had silicon sealer applied to the outside to attempt a fix by the previous owner.

3. After the tranny fluid gets hot, the transmission(700R) won't shift back into "OD" from "D" after a spirited romp at or above 65 mph unless I manually downshift into D then back up into OD.

 

re: 1, I can replace parts and recharge the system.  Autozone has a rebuilt compressor at ~$99, and I've been told I'll need a dryer and something else.  Is there anyway to salvage part of my existing system?

 

re: 2, I can pull the water pump and the timing gear cover and replace the leaky gasket that way, or get my friend with a lift to undo the motor mounts and lift the motor to get at the oil pan.

 

re: 3, I'm gonna have to live with it I guess.  I can't afford the $1100.00 for a rebuild and it's not a bother unless I am really hauling butt, and it does shift back if I do it manually.  The local tranny guy says it may be a leaky valve(?).

 

Guess I'll work on the AC first, this is Texas after all :o)

 

Doug

[Guest Friz]

I'll try to help you here;

 

1. Sorry, I've never really messed with A/C systems. (Not much help, huh?)

 

2. I'd try to change the timing cover seal first, but be prepared to do it all. You may get the timing chain cover off and find out that the fron seal and/or oil pan gasket is toast. While you're in there, take a look at timing chain slack. Be prepared to change that with BOTH GEARS. I have seen a lot of people just change the top gear because the bottom one is stuck. Don't fall into this, it will create another worn out chain and top gear quickly.

 

3. Put an external tranny cooler behind the radiator or put one in-line with the radiator cooler. Make sure that the fluid runs into the radiator cooler last or in winter it may not heat up enough. That may not be a problem in Texas, but it sure was in Maine!

Try having a shop do a tranny flush instead of just a filter change. It usually runs about $70-$80, but it exchanges all the fluid in the tranny and converter. here it's called a "Trans-Tech".

If you do both of these, the flush may clear the sticky valve, it's probably got gum or debris sticking it and the extra cooler should help the fluid from getting too hot.

 

The biggest problem with your vehicle is the "unknowns". You really can't honestly know how it was treated in the past, so you end up with problems that show themselves after years of inadequate maintenance.

Let us know how it goes, especially the A/C. My compressor is rattling a little, too, but it still cools okay.

[85burb]

???  

1.  The AC works well enough too, it's just rattlely after it's been running a while!?!  I'm guessing that when the hose fell out of it's bracket and fell on the engine, getting tore through, the po ran it with no freon or oil--causing the damage.

 

2.  Thanks for the info, I'll do all that.

 

3.  It already has an tranny cooler in front of the radiator and it works flawlessly until you romp on it at 65 mph and above.  Until then it shifts perfectly.  I will do the flush, and was thinking about a "shift kit".  Is there some sort of refurbish kit for these trannys?

 

I really like the truck and it is very peacful and relaxing to drive.  Not at all like my little Honda Civic EX with power mods.  I get in that car and it refuses to do the speed limit, and I find myself tensing up and getting a rush in it.  

Not very relaxing, but balls of fun.  

             

 

Thanks,

Later,

Doug

[Technicrat]

re: 3, I'm gonna have to live with it I guess.  I can't afford the $1100.00 for a rebuild and it's not a bother unless I am really hauling butt, and it does shift back if I do it manually.  The local tranny guy says it may be a leaky valve(?).

 

Only 2 things come to  mind on this one.  The 700 has a "lockup" converter. these have a solenoid of some kind that can have an effect on the converter and hence maybe your shifting since the converter supplies the energy to the pump. I have an 88 monte carlo SS with an r700 with  a "sticky solenoid that can give me fits.

 

Second, (and this is a classic) check the vacuum on the modulator.  I had the same issue with a TH350 that wouldn't shift. turns out the rubber hose to the modulator was rotten.

 

hope that helps (some)

[ClipperSkipper]

Watch Autozone there is no way that they can sell a remanufactured A/C compressor for $99.00. If they can please post the part # and I'll forward it to the local Zones.

 

Have a great one!