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Re: 1992 V6sei auto gearbox repair

Posted: Mon Jun 18, 2018 8:27 pm
by MTXM
I can also now confirm after further enquiries that apparently it is not possible to bench test the HP18 box, although the individual clutches can be pressure tested during assembly and the valve block can be checked. Although I doubt that my auto-box repairer has the necessary kit I did obtain some encouraging advice from this garage http://auto-transmissions.co.uk" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;". I shall endeavour to seek original assurances from the original repairer that the job will be right next time, or otherwise seek a refund and offer the work elsewhere, especially where the facility for testing can be offered. With regards, Matthew T.

Re: 1992 V6sei auto gearbox repair

Posted: Tue Jun 19, 2018 7:30 am
by jamescarruthers
Hi Matthew. Many years ago I had a ZF4HP18 gearbox in a 480 refurbished. It was done in Kent and it is still going strong. The company was JT Automatics (http://www.automatic-gearbox.co.uk" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;) and I am sure I was recommended them by someone else, but can't remember who!

Although not close for you, not mega far either I suppose. I was lucky in that the AA recovered me home to Cambridge then onwards to Kent once I'd decided where it was to be fixed-- I was quite impressed by this service!

Good luck with yours and hope it doesn't get that far and your current people can fix it for you.

Re: 1992 V6sei auto gearbox repair

Posted: Mon Jun 25, 2018 1:01 pm
by MTXM
Many thanks for your advice James and I am now able to report that the box has been returned to the original garage and stripped and checked. As expected, several clutch plates were burnt out but fortunately with no other damage and the pump and seals are apparently all good. At this stage the cause of the fault remains unknown, although the valve block is to be returned to the specialist and thoroughly retested and the only other suggestion was poor/insufficient lubrication. With regards, Matthew T.

Re: 1992 V6sei auto gearbox repair

Posted: Mon Jul 02, 2018 5:17 pm
by MTXM
I spoke to the garage earlier today and the valve block had recently been returned after further checks. It is understood the two faults were found, including a stuck valve and another internal component misaligned! I did quite quickly change the valve block with no obvious improvement, but I guess the damage had already been done to the clutch plates etc. Regards, Matthew T.

Re: 1992 V6sei auto gearbox repair

Posted: Tue Jul 03, 2018 12:47 pm
by russ92xmsed
Well that's better to find something than nothing. Be dreadful if it were put back together after finding nothing obvious and it happens again.

Hopefully these can be fixed and it will be okay.

Re: 1992 V6sei auto gearbox repair

Posted: Fri Jul 06, 2018 3:50 pm
by MTXM
Many thanks Russ and I completely agree with your sentiments! I think had no faults been found I also would not have risked refitting the box and used my spare. The rebuilt box will be collected next Monday and hopefully fitted soon afterwards! With regards, Matthew T.

Re: 1992 V6sei auto gearbox repair

Posted: Tue Jul 31, 2018 5:18 pm
by MTXM
Not great news! Over the last couple of weeks I found time to refit the engine and box that all went smoothly until I fired her up. The car started after a couple of turns of the key, but the note of the engine was immediately accompanied by a nasty semi-external clatter from the bell housing! Almost unbelievably it appears that the engine-gearbox flex-plate and/or the starter ring gear have failed, which did happen on my other auto, but not immediately after re-building with only 70K miles! I did change the ring gear during the last rebuild as the original had slightly worn teeth, although the other part had been previously crack tested and there were certainly no obvious signs of damage to either of the two components. It is also possible to confirm that there should be no issues with alignment between the engine and box as both dowels were present and the torque convertor bolts fitted easily. I assume I have just been extremely unlucky and the only compensations are that I had not completely finished the work (exhaust, driveshafts, wheels etc.), I am now (painfully) familiar with the work involved, and I also fortunately have other parts available. At the moment I do feel inclined to persevere, although my enthusiasm is a bit dented! With regards, Matthew T.

Re: 1992 V6sei auto gearbox repair

Posted: Sun Nov 04, 2018 8:09 pm
by MTXM
After the earlier bad news the project went on hold for the summer and I recently gathered the strength for the third engine and box removal. Last weekend I pulled out the lump and yesterday I split the engine and box to ascertain the cause of the rattle, which I had assumed was a cracked flex plate. The good news is that nothing is actually broken and the noise was actually due to slightly distorted ring gear, which I had swapped at the last removal due to worn teeth. I was lucky to have a spare ring gear and the condition had appeared good, although it must have been distorted during past removal or subsequent storage. There is slight abrading on the engine case and raised sections of the backing plate that was definitely the source of the noise, with very little tolerance allowed between. I have now carefully straightened and refitted the ring gear and hopefully after a couple more sessions I may have the engine and box refitted and running correctly! Regards, Matthew T.

Re: 1992 V6sei auto gearbox repair

Posted: Sun Nov 04, 2018 8:22 pm
by sageman
good to hear it wasnt as bad as you first thought although a shame something so simple meant all that work
hope you have a working car again before too long

Re: 1992 V6sei auto gearbox repair

Posted: Sun Nov 04, 2018 9:19 pm
by MTXM
Many thanks Ben and I could not agree more with those comments!! It is also very encouraging to see the progress with your project. With regards, Matthew T.