Trans trouble on the road????

S

steve southworth

New member
Jul 17, 2007
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We are in Alamogordo NM. Did the Trinity site visit on Saturday.

Having "some" concerns about the transmission. (I.E. near panic) I have been having to add way too much trans fluid. This started when I was
checking fluid levels after hitting the hay bale. I don't believe the hay had anything to do with it. That was just the first time I noticed it.

I've had to add 4 quarts over the last 700 miles. Not good. Based on RayE's experience I think the trans is toast but will keep running if I stay
ahead of the fluid loss. It appears the loss is out the trans vent based on the oil slick under the left side of the coach and on the left side of
the toad. Trans is vented out a hose to the left side of the coach. It does not appear to be coming out the fill tube.

I'll be trying to figure out our next course of action. Right now I'm leaning towards stocking up on trans fluid and making a run for home.
Alamogordo NM to Palmyra Wi. Route investigations will include which is the flattest route, which is the route most likely to provide support (black
list or service providers), or other factors this group may come up with. Home is about 1400 miles away. I will also be calling Manny later today.

Damn, I hate it when a plan comes undone.

Damn again. I just checked. San Diego is only 800 miles from here! Maybe I should head for Manny's? It's closer than home.

Any thoughts from the collective will be appreciated. Input will help get my brain out of panic mode and into rational thought.

(Humm, buy a semi and Landol? Nah that's just panic thinking. )
--
Steve Southworth
1974 Glacier TZE064V100150 (for workin on)
1975 Transmode TZE365V100394 (parts & spares)
Palmyra WI
 
I hate to be the bearer of bad tidings, but: Alamogordo to SAN JOSE is
1172 miles. :-(

Ken H.

On Mon, Apr 3, 2017 at 9:16 AM, Steve Southworth
wrote:

> We are in Alamogordo NM. Did the Trinity site visit on Saturday.
>
> Having "some" concerns about the transmission. (I.E. near panic) I have
> been having to add way too much trans fluid. This started when I was
> checking fluid levels after hitting the hay bale. I don't believe the hay
> had anything to do with it. That was just the first time I noticed it.
>
> I've had to add 4 quarts over the last 700 miles. Not good. Based on
> RayE's experience I think the trans is toast but will keep running if I stay
> ahead of the fluid loss. It appears the loss is out the trans vent based
> on the oil slick under the left side of the coach and on the left side of
> the toad. Trans is vented out a hose to the left side of the coach. It
> does not appear to be coming out the fill tube.
>
> I'll be trying to figure out our next course of action. Right now I'm
> leaning towards stocking up on trans fluid and making a run for home.
> Alamogordo NM to Palmyra Wi. Route investigations will include which is
> the flattest route, which is the route most likely to provide support (black
> list or service providers), or other factors this group may come up with.
> Home is about 1400 miles away. I will also be calling Manny later today.
>
> Damn, I hate it when a plan comes undone.
>
> Damn again. I just checked. San Diego is only 800 miles from here!
> Maybe I should head for Manny's? It's closer than home.
>
> Any thoughts from the collective will be appreciated. Input will help get
> my brain out of panic mode and into rational thought.
>
> (Humm, buy a semi and Landol? Nah that's just panic thinking. )
> --
> Steve Southworth
> 1974 Glacier TZE064V100150 (for workin on)
> 1975 Transmode TZE365V100394 (parts & spares)
> Palmyra WI
>
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> http://list.gmcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/gmclist_list.gmcnet.org
>
 
> I hate to be the bearer of bad tidings, but: Alamogordo to SAN JOSE is
> 1172 miles. :(
>
> Ken H.

Rats. I knew it was San something. Diego vs Jose all about the same to someone from WI. Just a few too many more miles and too many "hills". Back
to plan A, head for home somehow. Route to be determined.
--
Steve Southworth
1974 Glacier TZE064V100150 (for workin on)
1975 Transmode TZE365V100394 (parts & spares)
Palmyra WI
 
> > I hate to be the bearer of bad tidings, but: Alamogordo to SAN JOSE is
> > 1172 miles. :(
> >
> > Ken H.
>
>
> Rats. I knew it was San something. Diego vs Jose all about the same to someone from WI. Just a few too many more miles and too many "hills".
> Back to plan A, head for home somehow. Route to be determined.


So now I'm back to the basic questions. Of the possible routes back I'm trying to determine flattest route or route with best support, service
providers or other considerations?

All thoughts welcome.
--
Steve Southworth
1974 Glacier TZE064V100150 (for workin on)
1975 Transmode TZE365V100394 (parts & spares)
Palmyra WI
 
Call me if you think we can analyze and plan a wayI'm on the road408-639-0737


Get Outlook for iOS



















> > I hate to be the bearer of bad tidings, but: Alamogordo to SAN JOSE is
> > 1172 miles. :(
> >
> > Ken H.
>
>
> Rats. I knew it was San something. Diego vs Jose all about the same to someone from WI. Just a few too many more miles and too many "hills".
> Back to plan A, head for home somehow. Route to be determined.


So now I'm back to the basic questions. Of the possible routes back I'm trying to determine flattest route or route with best support, service
providers or other considerations?

All thoughts welcome.
--
Steve Southworth
1974 Glacier TZE064V100150 (for workin on)
1975 Transmode TZE365V100394 (parts & spares)
Palmyra WI

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Steve,

In my trade, this is called "Damage Control".
First, keep her afloat.
Second, get or keep the lights on.....
Now exhale and try to find the problem.

Were I in your place, I would find a curb of some way to get her high enough to "skinny" (
 
Steve

Is it really worth the risk of breaking down on the road and waiting for a tow to an unknown transmission shop.
I think that you would be better off trying to find a good shop in the Phoenix area and having the transmission rebuilt there.

Manny would probably agree to speak with the shop about recommended parts and procedures.

Emery Stora
77 Kingsley
Frederick, CO

>

>> I hate to be the bearer of bad tidings, but: Alamogordo to SAN JOSE is
>> 1172 miles. :(
>>
>> Ken H.
>
>
> Rats. I knew it was San something. Diego vs Jose all about the same to someone from WI. Just a few too many more miles and too many "hills". Back
> to plan A, head for home somehow. Route to be determined.
> --
> Steve Southworth
> 1974 Glacier TZE064V100150 (for workin on)
> 1975 Transmode TZE365V100394 (parts & spares)
> Palmyra WI
>
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> http://list.gmcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/gmclist_list.gmcnet.org
 
I think the there is a link as to the hay bail.
Always best to discuss and share so we can figure out.

> Call me if you think we can analyze and plan a way
> I'm on the road
> 408-639-0737
>
> Get Outlook for iOS https://aka.ms/o0ukef
>
>
>
> On Mon, Apr 3, 2017 at 8:00 AM -0700, "Steve Southworth" <

>

>> > > I hate to be the bearer of bad tidings, but: Alamogordo to SAN JOSE is
>> > > 1172 miles. :(
>> > >
>> > > Ken H.
>> >
>> >
>> > Rats. I knew it was San something. Diego vs Jose all about the same to someone from WI. Just a few too many more miles and too many "hills".
>> > Back to plan A, head for home somehow. Route to be determined.
>>
>>
>> So now I'm back to the basic questions. Of the possible routes back I'm trying to determine flattest route or route with best support, service
>> providers or other considerations?
>>
>> All thoughts welcome.
>> --
>> Steve Southworth
>> 1974 Glacier TZE064V100150 (for workin on)
>> 1975 Transmode TZE365V100394 (parts & spares)
>> Palmyra WI
>>
>> _______________________________________________
>> GMCnet mailing list
>> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:http://list.gmcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/gmclist_list.gmcnet.org
>>
>>

--
Jim Kanomata
Applied/GMC, Fremont,CA
jimk
http://www.appliedgmc.com
1-800-752-7502
 
Dipstick may be giving you a false reading and as a result you are overfilling the tranny. Other than losing the fluid is the training operating properly?

Sent from my iPhone
Nelson Wright

Orlando Fl.

>
> I think the there is a link as to the hay bail.
> Always best to discuss and share so we can figure out.
>

>>
>> Call me if you think we can analyze and plan a way
>> I'm on the road
>> 408-639-0737
>>
>> Get Outlook for iOS https://aka.ms/o0ukef
>>
>>
>>
>> On Mon, Apr 3, 2017 at 8:00 AM -0700, "Steve Southworth" <

>>

>>>>> I hate to be the bearer of bad tidings, but: Alamogordo to SAN JOSE is
>>>>> 1172 miles. :(
>>>>>
>>>>> Ken H.
>>>>
>>>>
>>>> Rats. I knew it was San something. Diego vs Jose all about the same to someone from WI. Just a few too many more miles and too many "hills".
>>>> Back to plan A, head for home somehow. Route to be determined.
>>>
>>>
>>> So now I'm back to the basic questions. Of the possible routes back I'm trying to determine flattest route or route with best support, service
>>> providers or other considerations?
>>>
>>> All thoughts welcome.
>>> --
>>> Steve Southworth
>>> 1974 Glacier TZE064V100150 (for workin on)
>>> 1975 Transmode TZE365V100394 (parts & spares)
>>> Palmyra WI
>>>
>>> _______________________________________________
>>> GMCnet mailing list
>>> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:http://list.gmcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/gmclist_list.gmcnet.org
>>>
>>>
>
>
> --
> Jim Kanomata
> Applied/GMC, Fremont,CA
> jimk
> http://www.appliedgmc.com
> 1-800-752-7502
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> http://list.gmcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/gmclist_list.gmcnet.org
 
Steve,

According to Google maps it 1448 miles to Palmyra vs 1206 to Manny's. If you
take I-10 to I-8 to I-5 I reckon it's pretty flat / gentle grades.

Someone from the west coast cold confirm that.

Regards,
Rob M.
The Pedantic Mechanic
USAussie - Downunder
AUS '75 Avion - The Blue Streak TZE365V100428
USA '75 Avion - Double Trouble TZE365V100426
USA '77 Kingsley - TZE 267V100808


-----Original Message-----
From: Gmclist [mailto:gmclist-bounces] On Behalf Of Steve
Southworth
Sent: Monday, April 3, 2017 9:27 AM
To: gmclist
Subject: Re: [GMCnet] Trans trouble on the road????

> I hate to be the bearer of bad tidings, but: Alamogordo to SAN JOSE is
> 1172 miles. :(
>
> Ken H.

Rats. I knew it was San something. Diego vs Jose all about the same to
someone from WI. Just a few too many more miles and too many "hills". Back
to plan A, head for home somehow. Route to be determined.
--
Steve Southworth
1974 Glacier TZE064V100150 (for workin on)
1975 Transmode TZE365V100394 (parts & spares)
Palmyra WI

_______________________________________________
GMCnet mailing list
Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
http://list.gmcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/gmclist_list.gmcnet.org
 
I whole heartedly agree! Call Jim K who may even still be fairly close to you on his way home from the Shawnee rally/convention.

Everyone should have Jim's shop AND cellphone numbers in their cellphone address books!

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
~~ ~ D C "Mac" Macdonald ~ ~~
~ ~ Amateur Radio - K2GKK ~ ~
~ ~ Since 30 November '53 ~ ~
~ ~ USAF and FAA, Retired ~ ~
~ Member GMCMI and Classics ~
~ ~ ~ Oklahoma City, OK ~ ~ ~
~~ ~ ~ "The Money Pit" ~ ~ ~~
~ ~ ~ ~ TZE166V101966 ~ ~ ~ ~
~ ~ ~ '76 ex-Palm Beach ~ ~ ~
~~ k2gkk + hotmail dot com ~~
~ www.gmcmhphotos.com/okclb ~
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
______________
|[ ]~~~[][ ][]\
"--OO--[]---O-"

________________________________
From: Gmclist on behalf of Matt Colie
Sent: Monday, April 3, 2017 10:06
To: gmclist
Subject: Re: [GMCnet] Trans trouble on the road????

Steve,

In my trade, this is called "Damage Control".
First, keep her afloat.
Second, get or keep the lights on.....
Now exhale and try to find the problem.

Were I in your place, I would find a curb of some way to get her high enough to "skinny" (
 
Try for Hal Kading in Las Cruces much closer
--
John H. Bell
77 Royale; QuadBag,Manny OneTon,Honda EV4010, FITech
Montreal Qc.
 
Here are some quick thoughts.

1. You can change a transmission on the road in a few hours if it becomes necessary. So the real problem, if it fails completely, would be getting a
rebuilt / replacement trans to your location.

2. You need to figure out if hitting the hay bale caused your problem.

3. Are you sure that you are not over filling the trans and blowing the excess fluid out the vent?

I moved a coach once from the west coast to Michigan. It was taking a quart of trans fluid every 300 miles or so to keep the level correct on the
trans dipstick. This coach had a remote (up front) trans dip stick. I finally found a curb in an abandoned store parking lot and pulled the right
front tire over the curb for additional clearance underneath. I started the engine to let the torque converter fill up and then shut off. I
immediately pulled the modulator (one bolt and one hose) to see the trans fluid level. The level should be to the bottom of the hole in the trans
where the modulator goes.

Well, the trans had 2 to 3 EXTRA quarts in it and I now had fluid all over the place on the ground. The big problem now was re-installing the
modulator without having to lay in the excess fluid all over the ground.

End result was after the modulator was re-installed (and the fluid was now at the correct level) that you could not find any fluid on the dipstick.
So the dipstick was not calibrated / installed correctly. I drove it that way for 2000 miles without it blowing out any more fluid. I believe the
owner later got rid of that remote dipstick.

4. What are the condition of the trans oil cooler lines after you hit the hay bale?
--
Ken Burton - N9KB
76 Palm Beach
Hebron, Indiana
 
> ...4. What are the condition of the trans oil cooler lines after you hit the hay bale?
Yep. Maybe its not coming out of the overflow after all...
--
73 23' Sequoia 4 Sale
73 23' CanyonLands Parts Unit 4 Sale
Upper Alabama
"When I grow up I am going to be a curmudgeon."
 
Is the modulator letting the dexron into the engine? If trans is shifting fine I would say it is sound and you should try to determine the fluid
issue. Why not pull the modulator and scribe the stick to that spill over level. Simple job. Then start and top off to new mark now the guessing game
is over and you can drive and monitor level. First I would put a very small hose clamp above the hat to stop that issue. If you keep an eye on it and
it actually gets low you should feel the moment it slips pull over and add dexron
--
John Lebetski
Woodstock, IL
77 Eleganza II
 
Steve, listen to Manny. Head for home on old 66. Watch the level, and keep
a fire bottle handy.
Jim Hupy
Salem, Or
78 GMC ROYALE 403

> Is the modulator letting the dexron into the engine? If trans is shifting
> fine I would say it is sound and you should try to determine the fluid
> issue. Why not pull the modulator and scribe the stick to that spill over
> level. Simple job. Then start and top off to new mark now the guessing game
> is over and you can drive and monitor level. First I would put a very
> small hose clamp above the hat to stop that issue. If you keep an eye on it
> and
> it actually gets low you should feel the moment it slips pull over and add
> dexron
> --
> John Lebetski
> Woodstock, IL
> 77 Eleganza II
>
>
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> http://list.gmcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/gmclist_list.gmcnet.org
>
 
Steve, I feel your concern. I lost a year old Manny tranny because I let the fluid get low because the dipstick O-ring was cut and, because I was
parked over gravel, I didn't see the leak. Fluid low, gravitated, foamed, and burned the high gear clutch pack.

I switched over to a front dipstick that I can check from under the hood since part of the problem is getting to the dipstick. I'm sure you'll be
checking it frequently.

I see you've already decided to do what I was going to suggest, put the overflow into a plastic bottle. Hang it around the crossmember with cable
ties. This will do two things, keep the tranny fluid off the exhaust system, and prove one way or the other if fluid is coming out the overflow.
--
Kerry Pinkerton - North Alabama

77 Eleganza II, 403CI, Manny Brakes, 1 ton, tranny, lots of aluminum goodies.

http://www.bdub.net/pinkerton/

'03 Fleetwood Discovery 39L
 
Steve, Sorry to hear you are having trouble. It seems strange that you didn't have this problem on the way to the convention and it reared it's ugly
head on the way home. So the question is "what has changed?". Apparently you have confirmed that the"hay bail' incident is not the culprit . Your
thoughts about getting the transmission too hot by staying in third makes sense. That Patterson engine has a boatload of power which in third can
generate a boatload of heat in the transmission. Best of luck.
 
I still suggest that you pull the modulator and check to see if the trans is over (or under) full.

It only takes removing one bolt and one push-on hose. It will take less than 5 minutes. Also look inside the disconnected hose for any evidence of
trans fluid which would indicate a leaking modulator and trans fluid being sucked into the intake manifold.
--
Ken Burton - N9KB
76 Palm Beach
Hebron, Indiana
 
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