It is my understanding that the computer tells the converter to "Lock" at 45 mph. So am I safe in assuming that I can tow in OD as long as I am doing over 45?
Curtis-79MH, my local GM dealer says they do tranny flush 2 ways.
1. Remove pan, replace filter, replace lost fluid
2. Complete flush, WITHOUT REMOVING PAN OR CHANGING FILTER.
Now #2 seems quite dangerous to me. I would think you would want to drop the pan and check for metal shavings, etc. A clogged filter will restrict flow, affecting cooling, etc.
I think I'll have them do #1 at 30K, your thoughts?
How many miles did you have on yours when it failed after the flush?
__________________
CP 9 miles off Exit 399, I75.
2003 GMC 2500HD 4X4 D/A Ext. Cab
Propane Powered Honda EU2000i
Lots of Hot Sauce! Air # 283
I wouldn't suggest doing the transmission flush. They claim it exchanges ALL the fluid. But as you mentioned what happens to all the impurities and how does the filter get cleaned?
I made the mistake of believing the claims. I had the fluid exchanged at 79,000 miles in my 1991 Suburban 4x4. They add chemicals to the tranny, then drive for a few minutes then exchange all the fluid with their machine. Afterward, I couldn't get up the incline of the parking lot without the tranny slipping horribly (no kidding). As I mentioned, we were heading out on a big family trip. What could I do? I called the Chevy dealer and ordered a new tranny put in the next day......2500 bucks total and we had a great trip to Skagway and back. The fast lube joint claimed I must have had something wrong to begin with, but I never had any slipping that I was aware of. From now on I'll do my tranny services the old-fashioned way...drop the pan.
BTY-When I tow my boat I always stay in drive NOT overdrive.
Good luck
At first blush the flush sounds great, but where do the impurities go.....does the backward flush send them through the tranny where they came from? Does it completely clean the filter? I know many folks who would never ever do the flush again because of poor results. My transmission guy loves the flush......it sends a fair amount of business his way!
the impurities end up in an external tank of used fluid.
the connections are made in the lines between the transmission cooler and the transmission.
the process lasts as long as it takes to circulate the new fluid and it flushes out the old fluid and the impurities.
Hi,
I don't wish to prolong this thread, but I will tell you that I know what the procedure of the tranny flush involves. I know the claims of those that promote the procedure (thorough flush, quick and beneficial). What I question are the REAL results. It is easy to believe the claims, but I will tell you that in my circle of auto savvy folk it is not something we buy into. We have had too many terrible results. I wish you well if you choose the flush, but beware.
We had the trans serviced before we left Seattle. It worked fine until we tried to go up a steeper incline. Started making a growling noise, then finally started slipping. Well we are in So Sanfrancisco the MH is in Fremont having a rebuild on the Trans. Worked great before of course it was 20 years old. The guy in Seattle said it was a turbo 475. We thought it was T400.
__________________
Dave and Louise
#2852
Finally Retired
On the eve of the first anniversary of the purchase of the Xilver Xeppelin, I would like to take the occasion of my 500th posting (threaded to my first posting) to express appreciation to all of the members of the Forum (even those I disagree with) for the knowledge, support, camaraderie, and sustenance that has been extended to me.
Little did I know that the plane ride to Phoenix on January 31st of 2003 would lead to all the hours of satisfaction, gratification, communication, labor, blood, sweat, and tears that I have both enjoyed and endured for this past year.
For your help, encouragement, and humor, I express my deepest gratitude.
As an update to the “Saga”, I had no idea that the purchase price of the 345 would practically pale in comparison to the expenses that have been incurred this past year. A detailed log of hours and expenses has been kept, and each week, as I add up the labor and costs, I silently think “this cash outflow has GOT to stop”, but I keep thinking of “upgrades” I need to incorporate. Other symptoms of mental sicknesses are sufficiently discussed in other threads.
A quick summation of the outlays follows;
Purchase – 1987 AS345MH, 72,000 miles $14,000
Rehabilitation Time and Parts Cost 471 hours $18,500
Saturn “Toad” – (used) $ 3,500
16’ X 52’ Carport 40 hours $ 3,000
Total Monies Spent (Less Operating Costs) $39,000
The Saturn and carport were expenses that resulted from having the Xeppelin, but really cannot be included in direct costs.
Not included in the above are cost of picking up the unit and return to Houston (plane tickets, lodging, car rental, meals, gas, etc.), nor operating expenditures (tax, title, license, insurance, gas, oil, fees), nor time studying, scrounging, purchasing, or transporting parts (easily 400 hours).
Benefits I received;
5000 miles of mostly flawless exploration of our great country.
Hours and hours of mental and physical therapy.
Experience gained in systems knowledge.
Pride of ownership in that “I did it myself”.
Bunches of new friends and associates.
Estimated value of benefits -- Priceless
One of the amazing things of the rehabilitation cost is that there is no single item in excess of $800, and most are under $100. Those 10 and 20 dollar purchases add up when you keep track of them! I do need to say, however, that the rehab costs do include a VIP Brake control system, and a Blue Ox tow bar installed on the Saturn. Also included, but not yet installed, are electric horns, air horns, aux air system. And then there are most all of the instruments and sensors needed to construct a dash panel with enough whistles and bells that would astonish and boggle a 747 flight crew. Additionally an impressive amount of polishing supplies, a laptop computer for GPS navigation and driving the video portion of the entertainment system, as well as a couple of high-end tires are included.
Of interest here, no significant work has been required to the drive train itself. Engine, transmission, and rear end have remained pretty much untouched since purchase, other than starters and a couple of hundred bucks for heat proof racing grade ignition wires. However, as with any 18+ year old vehicle approaching 80,000 miles, imminent failure, while not anticipated, could very well be expected. Especially on a driveline/frame that has toted around 8 tons at highway speeds all of its life!
Although not totally over, the end of the big time monetary hemorrhage is in sight. A video screen, stereo, and some miscellaneous parts for the dash are all that remain to purchase (I hope) prior to “completion”……and maybe a new mattress….and those 3 overhead lights that have not yet been changed to Fluorescents……..and the MSD ignition power pack with the manual timing advance – gotta’ have that……Oh, and that SS BBQ pit with the bumper swing mount……, China Commode.... and………
That, my friends, is a snapshot of the past 12 months of my life.
Once again, an intense and profound “Thanks” to each and every one of you.
__________________
Dennis
"Suck it up, spend the bucks, do it right the first time."
Sounds like many of our experiences, although I never calculated the price tag on the hours invested as I consider mine to be hobby/experience/therapy time. Even when it hurt!
The only hours I should charge myself for are the ones handling on the road breakdowns, which thankfully for me have been few.
My ongoing project has been a challenge and quite rewarding to own.
__________________
Rallys twice a year..Lots of fun, food, and aluminum.
Well, with just under 81,000 miles on the clock, I am nearing the end of a three hour wait for a tow from Good Sam to bring the Beast to a Chevy dealer in Kilgore, Texas, and wait until Monday for a transmission replacement estimate.
Quite unexpectedly, only 180 miles from the house, the transmission converted its last foot-poound of torque, and gave up the ghost. I had just enough forward momentum to coast into the Henderson, Texas Cattle Auction (Livestock Auctions every Monday) parking lot.
The real p*ss*r is that the tow truck (REALLY good praises for Good Sam here) has to come from almost 150 miles NORTH of Henderson, Texas. Too bad it wasn't based 150 miles soouth, I mightbe home several days sooner.
More later - any suggestions as per a new/rebuilt transmission behind a new/rebuilt 454?
I had been toying with the idea of different engines for the 345, but after two multi-hour stops at Colaw's RV salvage this week, I have decided to stay stock.
I was able to score a good set of headers from Colaws.
__________________
Dennis
"Suck it up, spend the bucks, do it right the first time."
Get an Allision. They are available but there will be the need to get one that has a stand alone computer. IE not integrated with the ECM Computer.
6 forward speeds and should be bulletproof. Of course you will have to re-gear the speedo, but that is the easy part. Just replace the OEM Speedo with an electronic one
It might also get you a few More MPG, and prolong the life of the powerplant. If you rebuild the T400 and add a gear vendors while you are at it you will spend more than what a used Allison should cost IMHO.
__________________ Brett G WBCCI #5501 AIR # 49
Wise men talk because they have something to say; fools, because they have to say something. -- Plato
Logic is the one way you can go wrong with confidence - Charles E. Kettering
Last edited by thenewkid64; 05-09-2004 at 07:38 AM.
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