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Tranny hitting hard, "sometimes"
https://slantsix.org/forum/viewtopic.php?t=49832		 Page 1 of 2
Author:  TonyPgh [ Tue Sep 18, 2012 6:46 am ]
Post subject:  Tranny hitting hard, "sometimes"
My 1971 Valiant Slant 6/auto. I don't know what tranny I have, I am new to this car.
First, my tranny does shift "very" smooth, and never slips. Drives very nicely.....However.
When I put it in gear, "reverse or drive", it hits hard sometimes like jumps into gear like the idle would be high. But my idle is at 650.
Then sometimes it glides right it smoothly, like nothing is wrong??
The car did sit for 15 years until about 6 months ago.. It has 68,000 on it.
I checked the fluid, it is clean. I do want to change the fluid and filter since it sat so long.
And ideas? It doesn't do it all the time, but once in a while, kind of bothers me.
Author:  SlantSixDan [ Tue Sep 18, 2012 8:25 am ]
Post subject: 
Welcome on the board. Your transmission is an A904. A band-and-linkage adjustment will probably make the shift engagement more consistent, and a fluid and filter change will also help (newer fluid is much better than old fluid, just on a formula/performance basis -- not to mention the degradation that comes with fluid age).

For fluid, use Chrysler ATF+4 or a reputable brand of Dexron-VI. Save yourself a great deal of trouble and go to the dealer for a rigid pan gasket part number 4295 875AC (may have superseded to -AD, or -AE, etc.; that's fine).

For adjustment, consult the factory service manual and this post.

In addition to the factory service manual you'll also want the other two books described in this thread.
Author:  TonyPgh [ Tue Sep 18, 2012 2:06 pm ]
Post subject: 
Hi Dan! Thanks for the welcome, AND the great forum!

I didn't know what trans I had, due to being my first Mopar. But my wife had a Neon so that counts. LOL

I will go to the dealer for the gasket, thanks for the number and tip!
I do have a question. I am probably not understanding something.
my wifes Neon took ATF+4. But it was synthetic. Is that what you mean?
Or is there a +4 thats the dino stuff?

I have pulled a ton of transmissions, but never actually adjusted anything on one. I will start reading what you guided me to.

Thanks again, I didn't know where to post as a new guy. This place is great. I have been going through the forum for weeks, and cannot believe how many things I have learned. Great Job!
Author:  SlantSixDan [ Tue Sep 18, 2012 3:29 pm ]
Post subject: 
All ATF+4 is synthetic-based. It's an excellent fluid, but your '71 doesn't require it; a reputable brand of Dexron-VI is excellent, too. Remember to drain all the fluid (there is a torque converter drain).
Author:  TonyPgh [ Tue Sep 18, 2012 7:36 pm ]
Post subject: 
Ok, I will have to read some bottles on the trans fluid. I don't want to get the wrong thing.
I checked my garage tonight, and I did have 6 qts. of Castrol Synthetic ATF+4 on hand.
Maybe I better look for the Dexron VI.
I didn't know there was a torque converter drain. Thats good news!
Will filling the tranny automatically just fill the converter? I remember the gm's I did years back, I had to fill the converters before putting them in.
Also, how many qts. should I have on hand? Sorry for all the questions.
Author:  SlantSixDan [ Tue Sep 18, 2012 9:04 pm ]
Post subject: 
That ATF+4 you have is fine -- go ahead and get more of that and use it all up. Don't mix Dexron and ATF+4.

I don't recall how many quarts you need.

Torque converter will refill when you start the engine with the trans in Neutral.

Do get that factory service manual.
Author:  TonyPgh [ Thu Sep 20, 2012 9:26 pm ]
Post subject: 
I just seen the torque specs on the bands.
I may have to ask a local tranny shop if they will do it. I don't know how.
I have removed a ton of trannys and put them in, but never done this. I don't even know what they look like or where their at. LOL
Author:  Jeb [ Fri Sep 21, 2012 3:11 am ]
Post subject: 
Get an FSM off ebay and it will have all the pictures and info you need. Adjusting bands is super easy. All you need is an inch pound torque wrench and a 8 point socket (I think it's 5/16).
Author:  Greg Ondayko [ Fri Sep 21, 2012 3:55 am ]
Post subject: 
Tony, If you need any help I am relatively close by.. I am not sure where you are in Irwin, But I am off Sandy Hill road, Closer to Manor actually..
I can help with looking at your trans if needed.

Welcome to the board.


Greg
Author:  TonyPgh [ Fri Sep 21, 2012 7:34 am ]
Post subject: 
Quote:
Tony, If you need any help I am relatively close by.. I am not sure where you are in Irwin, But I am off Sandy Hill road, Closer to Manor actually..
I can help with looking at your trans if needed.

Welcome to the board.


Greg
Thanks Greg. I am over by Indian lake. Right off of Clay Pike. I am pretty close to you.
I am going to get the car in the air this coming week, and next Saturday have the pan off, and ready for the band adjustment. I am gonna make sure I have 12 qts. of ATF+4 synthetic on hand, and my new filter....etc.
I don't think I have an 8 point socket though. I have a ton of tools, but mostly 6 and 12 point sockets. I will pick up a 5/16's 8 point while I am out this week. The car does shift very nice, but does need serviced.
An extra person here is always a good thing! I appreciate that. I will send a private message with my cell number.
BTW nice car you have!! I don't recall seeing it around.
Author:  slantsik [ Sun Sep 23, 2012 3:16 am ]
Post subject:  avealookatdis
this article may be of assistance
http://www.allpar.com/mopar/transmissio ... -hand.html
you may find this wacky manual handy
http://www.imperialclub.com/Repair/Lit/ ... /index.htm
and go here and click on the 904 727 service manual link.
http://www.mymopar.com/index.php?pid=22
look at these while you wait for the factory service manual to arrive!
enjoy
Brendan.
Author:  TonyPgh [ Mon Sep 24, 2012 8:43 am ]
Post subject: 
Thanks slantsik, will check those links.

I was in Wal mart yesterday, and found ATF+4 that was half the price of Castrol. It doesn't say synthetic though. So i took photos of the bottles before buying. Let me know what you think?

Image

Image
Author:  TonyPgh [ Fri Sep 28, 2012 10:55 am ]
Post subject: 
Okay, took my pan off. WOW, no sludge, very clean! Anyhow....I took a photo....
I seen a locknut/bolt thingy in the photo, inside the transmission. Is this a reverse band adjustment?
I looked on the side of the transmission, and I don't see anything else.
I thought there would be a forward band adjustment on the side, but its not there??
I don't even know if I have to do this.
Just guessing I may? Shifts fine. Does go into gear hard once in a while when going from park to reverse, or into drive. Then sometimes goes into gear smooth.
But shifts great, and smooth.

Image
Author:  SlantSixDan [ Fri Sep 28, 2012 11:04 am ]
Post subject: 
Quote:
I was in Wal mart yesterday
That was an error.
Quote:
and found ATF+4 that was half the price of Castrol.
There's nothing that can't be made cheaper, nastier, and/or counterfeit.
Quote:
Let me know what you think?
I think it's foolish to risk an expensive transmission on cheap off-brand fluid. "Super Tech"? Who the hell are they? What reputation do they have to worry about screwing up by cooking your transmission? (None).
Author:  SlantSixDan [ Fri Sep 28, 2012 11:06 am ]
Post subject: 
Quote:
I seen a locknut/bolt thingy
No, you saw a locknut/bolt thingy.
Quote:
Just guessing
Did you get those books yet? That's the first step before taking things apart.

Sorry, I don't aim to sound pissy, but taking things apart before you have at least a basic understanding of what you're doing is a fast way to cost money and break cars.
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