Any luck freeing up a governor?

[Chrisman889]

Has anyone had any luck freeing up a sticky governor in a a4ld, with any additive like Lubeguard ATF protectant? Is the only solution taking it out and cleaning it or getting a heavier weight?

 

[PopRichie77]

Try an additive if it doesn't work then the governor has to come out and be cleaned or replaced, Replaced is the best option as the governor may have excessive wear. A heavier weight is NOT an option.

 

[Maniak]

Has anyone had any luck freeing up a sticky governor in a a4ld, with any additive like Lubeguard ATF protectant? Is the only solution taking it out and cleaning it or getting a heavier weight?

I don't think I've heard of anyone getting one unstuck (or stop it from sticking). ATF is already pretty much just detergent. There isn't much more you can add to it that won't kill the clutches..

Also, its been more than a few years but IIRC, the replacement governor kit actually does use a heavier weight part on the governor. It's been years since I've had an a4ld so I may just be mis-remembering.

~Mark

 

[Chrisman889]

How do I know which one to get? They have one with a single groove and double groove. It's my daily driver so I wouldn't be able to wait for the governor in the mail.

 

[BrooklynBay]

Check WWW.Wittrans.Com for the governor. The weight is made by Sonnax.

 

[JK080]

I got into a habit of replacing the governor body and valve on major overhauls, especially if there was a lot of damage. Keep in mind that the governor is usually the first thing to start sticking or having problems if the transmission is producing metal or debris. It might be a sign of bigger problem to come.

I like the Lubeguard product I have seen it work first hand, its great for governor controlled transmissions. Use the red bottle.

 

[BrooklynBay]

JK080, do you recommend Seafoam for transmissions to free the governor or is that too abrasive for the bands & clutches? They recommend draining the fluid after a short drive.

 

[JK080]

I personally have never used the Seafoam product, I have heard of mixed success with using it just like everything else. I dont see it causing problems with normal friction material on the bands and clutches. If the clutch or band had problems already with deterioration, this product could accelerate it, just like new transmission fluid can.

Problems with the governor sticking after rebuild were common, especially if the trans had a large failure and made a lot of debris. The new hot transmission fluid would dislodge debris from the cooler that the flusher missed and it would end up in the governor. Lubeguard was great for coating the valves and keeping this debris moving on to the filter.

 

[Chrisman889]

I have another question about the bands. I have been toying around with the adjustments. I originally had them torqued down to 60 inch lbs and then backed off 2 complete turns. Then I read they should be torqued to 120 inch lbs so I did so. It seemed to have a deep growl or vibration almost so I went back to the 60 inch lb torque and it seems to run smoother however it seems to be shifting into 4th too early like around 45 mph and then the rpms I think are too high around 2000 at 60mph. Is that normal? Do I have the OD band too loose?

 

[Chrisman889]

Nice detail on that website thank you. I just don't know which one I have there seems to be a 1 groove, a 2 groove and a 3 groove. I don't know which one I have.

 

[BrooklynBay]

You might have dried out servo pistons. Replace the servos, then torque the bands to the correct specification.

 

[PopRichie77]

When it shifts into OD at 45 this is normal under light throttle, also 2000 Rpm at 60 mph sound normal also. Depending on rear ratio the rpm at 60 can vary by 500 Rpm.

 

[Chrisman889]

Is it 2 turns back for both bands or 2 for the intermediate and 3.5 for the OD band. Is the OD band responsible for the 4th gear engagement?

 

[BrooklynBay]

It's 2 turns back for single wrap bands. Overdrive is 4th gear.

 

[Chrisman889]

Thanks for all the info. I guess you really have to know what your looking for at www.Wittrans.com. Looks like they have a few different governors and servos. I wish I knew more about what exactly I needed.