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View Full Version : VX Down and it's Bad



tjh
10/19/2010, 03:55 PM
Transmission is weeping oil , I'm told it looks as if it has gotten pretty toasty once or twice . (brittle gaskets)

SOOO..... A rebuild is in-order. When I get it back possibly by Friday it will have better oil flow and something or the other with some clutch/torque adjustment shawz ,stuff whatever !

Ummm ! so I'm going to put super flexy IFS on hold for a bit . I kinda need the Transmission mod first .

Transmission rebuild /modification is coupled with a three year warranty . MOAB will judge this build next year !

MSHardeman
10/19/2010, 04:36 PM
Sorry to hear about this Travis. Hopefully it comes back to you ready and rarin' to go.

Dang, with new tires and a "new" transmission I'm really scared about what you're going to attempt in Moab this year.....can't wait to watch 'cause I ain't following.

phines
10/19/2010, 05:44 PM
Sorry to hear about the tranny. I hope we both get our VX's repaired and back to Moab.

nfpgasmask
10/20/2010, 08:48 AM
What's wrong with your tranny exactly? If its just leaking oil, that doesn't mean there is something wrong with it...or were you having trouble?

I've been wrestling with my tranny pan leaking lately too. I finally just decided to buy OEM gaskets and an OEM filter from Merlin.

Bart

Travelin2
10/20/2010, 01:44 PM
Don't let the trans shop blow smoke. Of coarse the gaskets are brittle they are getting old. I had leaks..changed filter and gasket(OEM)...still leaked....replaced gasket again (OEM)...still leaked....wiped every thing down and went for a short drive. The fluid was coming from the shift shaft seal. It doesn't leak when sitting since the shift shaft is above the fluid level when engine is off. If the trans shop hasn't started yet get them stopped and get a second opinion. The seal is like 5 or 6 bucks from Merlin. There are some good threads here on this subject. Plenty of guys and gals have been through it before. Hate to see you get ripped....John

nfpgasmask
10/20/2010, 02:11 PM
Exactly what I am saying. If you were experiencing some slipping, then yeah, maybe there is an issue, but leaks do not mean something is broken. If you have slamming gears, it could be a result of old fluid or the 'mode switch' but nothing that would warrant loads of work, downtime and money.

Be careful out there, there are a lot of unscrupulous shops ready to take advantage of you.

Bart

tjh
10/20/2010, 04:40 PM
I'm positive it wasn't the input selector shaft seal. That seal was replaced a couple weeks after I got back from Moab . The oil was leaking out from the bell-housing and down the back of the engine oil pan . It was rather messy when I discovered the leak . I pressure washed the undercarriage at a local car wash(3miles one way) then drove back home . I took another look under the VX and oil was definitely coming out of the bell-housing . There is a small inspection plate at the bottom of the bell-housing from which the oil was happily passing through its seams .

I should have the VX back this week with a slightly modified transmission , coupled with a 3 year warranty .

The transmission shop that I brought the VX to is highly recommended by reputable mechanics in the area . I also know several people that have had there transmission repaired by this shop and have not had any issue with the work done .

Yes , the rebuild is not exactly cheap .
I intend to keep my VX , and since it's my daily driver (by choice I just love driving it ) I want to keep it in decent working order . Next on the list will be an engine that doesn't burn oil . That is if nothing else breaks before I get to it.

Dang! Phines I hope you get your VX up and running , all I can say is *%#*%$^&%&$*^*%*? damn that is one messed up day .

MSHardeman
10/20/2010, 04:44 PM
Travis, I'm sure that you've seen the threads regarding filling the transmission correctly, but just make sure that the shop follows the correct procedure so you don't burn up that pretty new transmission.

I can't find the "instructions" right now, so hopefully someone will chime in with them.

Grif
10/20/2010, 05:45 PM
I'll just leave this here.... http://www.antiquecaterpillar.org/vx/Technical/4L30E_01.asp

And here iff'n you want a pdf... http://www.vehicross.info/misc/pdf_files/ATF_Change.pdf

tjh
10/20/2010, 05:47 PM
Travis, I'm sure that you've seen the threads regarding filling the transmission correctly, but just make sure that the shop follows the correct procedure so you don't burn up that pretty new transmission.

I can't find the "instructions" right now, so hopefully someone will chime in with them.

Thanks for the heads up ! And yes I have read all about it . The shop knows the procedure as-well . They rattled off a list of vehicles that use the 4L30E Transmission , and the one that surprised me the most was BMW M3 .

When I dropped off the VX at the shop their was a Unimog there , it need a new clutch . I drooled on it ,just a little .

don moore
10/20/2010, 11:12 PM
have them check the TPS also...it affects the shifting.I had t replace mine after the tranz went out..

tjh
10/26/2010, 04:29 PM
have them check the TPS also...it affects the shifting.I had t replace mine after the tranz went out..

What are the symptoms of a failing TPS ?

vt_maverick
10/26/2010, 06:53 PM
Does TPS = Throttle Position Sensor or Transmission Position Sensor? If the latter, the symptom is generally rough/hard shifting from 2nd into 3rd as well as incorrect gear display on the dash (Park lit up while you're driving for example).

Grif
10/26/2010, 07:00 PM
Does TPS = Throttle Position Sensor or Transmission Position Sensor? If the latter, the symptom is generally rough/hard shifting from 2nd into 3rd as well as incorrect gear display on the dash (Park lit up while you're driving for example).

If I recall correctly, in the past the TPS= Throttle Position Sensor, highly unlikely culprit. Perhaps the TMS=Transmission Mode Switch (aka Neutral Safety Switch according to some part mongers) is term you were looking for?

vt_maverick
10/26/2010, 07:16 PM
Perhaps the TMS=Transmission Mode Switch (aka Neutral Safety Switch according to some part mongers) is term you were looking for?

I assume you're aiming this at the OP, but I'll add that the OEM parts catalog refers to this part as either a Neutral Safety Switch or ASM Switch - Position. Strangely Transmission Mode Switch appears nowhere that I could find. Also, the guys on the Planet seem to refer to this part as a range sensor.

Clear as mud I know. :(

tjh
10/27/2010, 03:32 PM
This thread probably should be moved to trouble shooting .

What would cause the Idle to bounce from 500 rpm to 1000 and back again over and over ... when the vehicle is placed into reverse ? It will sometimes do this while in drive . Park and neutral are okay , even with the AC on .
Until now , I have not had any engine problems .

I can guarantee that it's not the driver playing with the accelerator.

circmand
10/27/2010, 03:42 PM
This thread probably should be moved to trouble shooting .

What would cause the Idle to bounce from 500 rpm to 1000 and back again over and over ... when the vehicle is placed into reverse ? It will sometimes do this while in drive . Park and neutral are okay , even with the AC on .
Until now , I have not had any engine problems .

I can guarantee that it's not the driver playing with the accelerator.

My 2 most likely options vacuum leak, fuel clog