So it started about 2 weeks ago and definately isn't getting any better.  I don't know if its the tranny or torque convertor, but I think it is one of those.  When I put the car in gear, either reverse or a forward gear and let off the brake and/or step on the gas the car will surge sometimes like it is slipping in and out of gear (it feels similar as to what happens when you stall a manual tranny car, except the engine keeps running).  When going higher speeds in 3rd or 4th gear it has a slight vibration, unless I step on the gas enough for the torque convertor to unlock, then it smooths out.  And sometimes at high rpms (like 5k+) under WOT, the rpms will jump with the car obviously not accelerting anymore, then it will just be normal after a second.  There is other things that it does, but thats basically it.  Does that sound like a torque convertor problem?  If not, what does it sound like?

Thanks,

Shawn

I had this happen on my last junkyard 3t40. I think it was the TQ converter..it would chatter on takeoff. It had also sliped in 1st and 3rd. Maybe weak line pressure..leaky valves?..time for a rebuild..thats all I know. Have you checked your fluid?

Yes, fluid is full.

Shawn

If you think it is time for a rebuild...try something first. Put a pint of Brake Fluid in the tranny. Yes brake fluid. I did not try it in my TGP before the swap because I didn't know about it. I bought a SSEi with a really bad slipping tranny. I tried a full flush for $90...no difference! Tried Lucas Tranny Stabilizer stuff...no difference. Full Flush again for free...no difference! Friend of mine told me..."put a pint to a quart of brake fluid in the tranny. Drive the car for about 5 miles and let it sit overnight." I had nothing to lose so I tried it. After the 2nd mile I noticed it would lock into 2nd and actually let me get in the gas alittle. Got home and let it sit for about 18 hours till the next morning. Started the car and immediately put it into "R" and it went in just like new. Backed out of the driveway...went into first like new. Shifted in all gears like it was new with full throttle or partial. I asked my buddy why it worked and he said that the brake fluid makes the seals and such swell keeping it from leaking internally.

He said it is only a temporary fix as the seals are definitly wore out if the brake fluid trick works...but the guy who bought my SSEi drove it from Colorado Springs to Chicago, then from Chicago to Daytona Beach and back to Chicago without a hint of trouble! 8)

Well, it got a LOT worse today.  

Se my post on it here:

http://www.netavalanche.com/tgp/viewtopic.php?t=2401&highlight=


Shawn

By the free reving that you describe I would guess it's your input sprag.
This sprag is ingaged in 1,3 and r. Unfortunatly the tranny has to come out to get to it.

You might try this. Get on a gravel or wet road with lots of room in front of you. Race the motor up and down while in gear. If it slams in gear while reving it's the sprag unit.

Try some lucas treatment. It won't hurt.

Good luck.

Jud

Quote from: sleeperred90tgpBy the free reving that you describe I would guess it's your input sprag.
This sprag is ingaged in 1,3 and r. Unfortunatly the tranny has to come out to get to it.

You might try this. Get on a gravel or wet road with lots of room in front of you. Race the motor up and down while in gear. If it slams in gear while reving it's the sprag unit.

Try some lucas treatment. It won't hurt.  

Good luck.

Jud

It definately isn't going to catch into gear or anything like that...it just acts like neutral.  In fact, I was sitting in the garage with it today free revving it to 6k enjoying the fact that I don't have a 3k limiter while the car is stopped if I put it in gear.  And did you know that if you just free rev to 5k and hold it there for a second the turbo is loud as hell!  I don't know how I would get to a gravel or wet road to do that anyway, you have to get the car moving about 15mph before it will go under its own power...then if you stop at a light or stopsign you have to get it moving by pushing or pulling it again...it would take an aweful long time to get very far in it.  

I have never worked on a tranny before other than installing a shift kt, and replacing a differential (I've done 2 shift kits and 3 differentials in my dads GTP), and i don't understand how exactly they work, but is it difficult to replace this "input sprag" as you call it.  And is this like a shaft or something, or is it a clutch or some sort?  I can get the tranny out of the car no problem (at least I think so), I am just worried about tearing it apart as I have never done that type of thing before.  

I have a feeling its too late for Lucas to do any good.  :evil:  I would try that brake fluid thing too, but the car won't move under its own power, so it would be pretty difficult to drive it.  I don't think the tranny is slipping, I think the clutches are in ok shape, I think that some sort of shaft or gear or something broke in it.

Shawn