Tranmission Problems!

Y

Ye_Lunatic

Registered
My 94 Mark with 185k on it started leaking trans fluid pretty badly. I kept pouring new fluid in, but not fast enough apparently. The car was slipping in and out of gear and shuddering for 2 days befpore I could get it to the shop.

I dropped it off at Lee Myles Transmissions this morning and the car practically wouldn't move from a stop. It's like it had no first gear, but once I got enough momentum to get to second it rode fine. I hope I didn't burn anything out. The trans shop should call by noon with an estimate. Wish me luck!

I might be parting this thing out if the estimate is too expensive.

Carl
 
RE: Tranmission Problems!

I'll guess $1750

If you manage to stop the leak you could try replacing the MLPS sensor before you get anyone else to touch it. It's like $60 and takes less than an hour to replace. My car seemed as though it was slipping out of gear, turns out it was just a sensor, strange, I should have tried that before riding only my motorcycle all last summer.

Also I've heard people have better luck with used transmissions than they do with rebuilt ones, that said people here have said good things about www.greenleafauto.com
 
RE: Tranmission Problems!

Thanks for the advice. Valve springs? I already have an engine knock, could that be the valvesprings? I don't think I can put it in a new one myself. I've done the shocks and some basic stuff, but this may be beyond me.

Thanks. I have no idea wha it will cost or what would be involved to stop the leak. I'll check that site out.

Lee Myles transmissions called and said that my car was leaking trans fluid like crazy from the front pump. They said it would cost $385 just to take it apart and look at it and determine what it needs. I asked what the maxmimum price would be if they had to rebuild it and they guy wouldn't even give me a figure. At this point I realize he could charge me what he wants once the tranny is out. I got a bad feeling, so called 2 other shops and they quoted me at $1400 and $1500 maximum for a rebuilt trans. I called the guy back at Lee Myles and told him I didn't want to spend more than $1200, and he told me that I might as well pick the car up and take it somewhere else.

I don't have much of a choice, so I am going to have it towed to the one of the other shops hope that it won't cost the maximum.

I am wondering if it is even worth it. The car has 185k on it. It leaks some oil, leaks some coolant and has an engine knock. It will also need rear bags real soon. Would I be better off parting this thing out now, or should I have the trans rebuild and then keep it or try to sell it? I would like to get a gen 2 eventually.
 
RE: Tranmission Problems!

When I had my tranny done on my 97 Mark it was $2100, but that was including a case (Old one was cracked). It came with a 1 year unlimited milage warrenty as well.

If it is worth it is another question and only you can answer that. If you don't fix it you will have to sell it either as is or part it out (both can take a while to do). To be honest value isn't great on these cars. Look at what you would spend on a new/used car and figure out how much it will cost to get your current car working right. If you can get a better car for the cost of the repairs then go for it. If not get the tranny fixed and the other stuff looked at.
 
RE: Tranmission Problems!

Thanks. That's good advice. I think that is what I am going to do. I would rather be driving my Mark for $1500 than to drive some other model I don't like for a a little more. Either way, after the trans is rebuilt, I could still sell her.
 
RE: Tranmission Problems!

"They said it would cost $385 just to take it apart and look at it and determine what it needs. I asked what the maxmimum price would be if they had to rebuild it and they guy wouldn't even give me a figure. "

This is exactly how Aamco set up their suckers years ago. No matter what was wrong, they would say it is going to need some disassembly to determine the problem for x dollars. Then they would call you back and say it needed a complete rebuild but the good news is that they have a nationwide warranty. Worked like a champ!

Roadie
95 Champagne Mark VIII
00 Ford F150 Supercab 4x4
02 Mazda Protege
86 Chevy Monte Carlo SS
81 Honda CB900C
 
RE: Tranmission Problems!

Go and get a junkyard trans. Put it in yourself or find someone local who will do it in their garage for a few hundred. Under a grand and you're good to go. Make sure to get a 98-2003 trans, and it should last fine. Some junkyards offer a warranty also, my friend just put a trans in his car from the junkyard and paid 50 bucks more for a 1 year warranty.
 
RE: Tranmission Problems!

I really made the wrong decision. I had the second shop do it and the total was $1577. I was told that the trans was completely burnt. A few hours after I gave the guy at the transmission shop the "go ahead", I was shown a $250 low mile trans on Ebay (which I missed of course).

For less than $100 more I should have trucked it 100 miles down to Lincoln Motor Sports for their bulletproof trans for $1650. I feel like I really screwed up.
 
RE: Tranmission Problems!

You really think the 1650 includes installation? You can add another 600 on top of that at least. 1577 for a rebuild is not bad. And i told you, with the problems you've had on the car and 185k miles i would really question if it is worth keeping the car.
 
RE: Tranmission Problems!

FWIW, the $1650 is advertised including converter, fluid and labor. It is a rebuild and the old one is taken as a core.
 
RE: Tranmission Problems!

[div class="dcquote"][strong]Quote[/strong]
I really made the wrong decision. I had the second shop do it and the total was $1577. I was told that the trans was completely burnt. A few hours after I gave the guy at the transmission shop the "go ahead", I was shown a $250 low mile trans on Ebay (which I missed of course).For less than $100 more I should have trucked it 100 miles down to Lincoln Motor Sports for their bulletproof trans for $1650. I feel like I really screwed up.
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I wouldn't worry about it. Just tell the shop that's doing it that you want the updated accumulators put in, as well as a mechanical diode one way clutch. Then it'll be just about as bulletproof as you need it to be. They can also use high performance frictions and steels. Shouldn't be much more.
 
RE: Tranmission Problems!

[div class="dcquote"][strong]Quote[/strong]
[div class="dcquote"][strong]Quote[/strong]I really made the wrong decision. I had the second shop do it and the total was $1577. I was told that the trans was completely burnt. A few hours after I gave the guy at the transmission shop the "go ahead", I was shown a $250 low mile trans on Ebay (which I missed of course).For less than $100 more I should have trucked it 100 miles down to Lincoln Motor Sports for their bulletproof trans for $1650. I feel like I really screwed up.[/div]I wouldn't worry about it. Just tell the shop that's doing it that you want the updated accumulators put in, as well as a mechanical diode one way clutch. Then it'll be just about as bulletproof as you need it to be. They can also use high performance frictions and steels. Shouldn't be much more.
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I would prefer stock frictions over the alto high performance ones. The mechanical diode is a good idea as long as they install a spiral retainer on it. I highly recommend an output shaft from a 98 markVIII. There are alot more steps to take if you actually want a "bulletproof" 4r70w.
Alan
 
RE: Tranmission Problems!

Thanks, guys. I got the car back and it runs well again.

At least I feel like I know what to do if I ever have another Mark that needs a trans. I appreciate all the input.

Carl
 
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