HELP!!! 1994 A4LD Trans Puking Fluid!!!

[mikeinri]

Well, that picture certainly helps, thanks!

So, my next question is, how can I comply with "Don't remove the separator plate unless you plan on rebuilding the valve body"?

Isn't the top gasket going to self-destruct when I remove the VB from the tranny?

Even if it doesn't, by the looks of things, I won't be able to get the old gasket off without making a mess, potentially getting gasket pieces inside the VB (through the holes in the separator plate).

Am I really going to be able to add the manual valve indexer without rebuilding the VB? Does anyone actually do that, or does everyone just suck it up and rebuild the VB every time it gets taken out?

Mike

 

[BrooklynBay]

It's possible that you could get around rebuilding it, but if it's already out, and you have to replace gaskets, you might as well rebuild it. Here's a break out view of the valve body:

 

[mikeinri]

Thanks.

And it's probably safe to assume that there's no way to install the manual valve indexer without pulling the VB?

Mike

 

[BrooklynBay]

You could loosen it up, but it would ruin the gasket assuming that the gasket is old, and might tear.

 

[mikeinri]

Thanks!

So, it looks like I'm in for a VB rebuild just so I can add the indexer...

I've driven this thing about 3,000 miles since this problem happened (overheated while parked for 20 minutes). There have been no shifting or overheating issues at all, even when loaded with firewood, towing a trailer, etc.

Would I be better off leaving it alone?

What other symptoms are there if the manual valve hole is elongated, other than overheating in park? Could I be damaging something else in the tranny if I don't add the indexer and keep driving it as-is?

With 280,000 miles, I'm very hesitant to want to tear into the tranny unless it's getting a full rebuild, and I certainly don't think the value of the truck will warrant that, ever.

Mike

 

[BrooklynBay]

It's up to you if you want to do this. You could have a shop do it if you don't feel comfortable.

 

[EMG7895]

I personally would not do it, especially with the value of first gens. When my 93 was totalled when someone hit it when it was parked I kept most of the parts of value and found another one to replace it. Just be aware not to idle in park for too long.

 

[mikeinri]

Thanks guys. So long as I'm not risking further damage by driving it this way, looks like the safest (and cheapest) thing would be to leave it alone and not idle in park on hot days.

Mike

 

[logansdaddy09]

hey guys i have a 94 xlt and i was delivering newspapers at 6am and my explorer was being driven for 6 1/2 hrs straight and then it started pouring tranmission fluid out too could that be overheating too or something worse

 

[BrooklynBay]

Start with checking the fluid level, fan clutch, and the running temperature of the engine, and the transmission.