a904 died while driving

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Ottmundr

Ottmundr

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Hi Folks,

I'm (not) driving a 68 barracuda with a 318, a904 trans.

I just purchased the car a week ago, and drove it approximately 600 miles from central Oregon to Napa (the city, not the auto parts store), with no transmission problems up and down mountains, in 100 degree weather. The car didn't quite make it to Napa, but that was a separate issue that has already been resolved with a $21 fanbelt.

While driving around town in Napa, I started losing power to the rear wheels. I drove up and over a maybe 40' high bridge (Imola Ave) and it started acting as if I was slipping a clutch on a manual to stay in place on a slope, delivering almost no power to the rear wheels. I made it off the bridge and to the side of the road. No matter what gear I put it in, it doesn't even try to engage. Whether it's warm or cold. The car can be pushed around in neutral, and seems to be stopped in park right next to the mother-in-law's 72 Javelin and 63 bug.

Prior to all this, I checked the transmission fluid (while in neutral). It was that nice pretty clear red color, and about 3/4 up between the add more and don't add no more lines.

I have not opened it up to check the filter, or anything else yet. From what I describe, what are these symptoms pointing at?

Also, does anyone have a list of the tools I'll need to rebuild the trans?

Thanks in advance.
 
Check your fluid again and even smell it.
Is it different than before?

There are really only two things that can cause that.
1. a burned up trans (clutch packs)
2. a bad converter and possibly even a trashed pump with it.

They don't slip like that and live through it in either case.

Check that fluid again. (looks and smell both) as burned fluid smells a little like smoke from a wood fire.
 
TrailBeast,

What will I be looking for to determine whether it's either the clutches vs the converter or pump?

My Carl Monroe a-727 book hasn't arrived yet, and I haven't been able to afford the ATSG 904/727 book yet.

Thanks for the info.
 
I got the manual in a pdf format....but it is 19 mb...dont think i can email it..

I got another version that is 904/999 version only in pdf ...only 5 mb...should be able to email it....
 
Ottmundr said:
TrailBeast,

What will I be looking for to determine whether it's either the clutches vs the converter or pump?

My Carl Monroe a-727 book hasn't arrived yet, and I haven't been able to afford the ATSG 904/727 book yet.

Thanks for the info.
Click to expand...

It doesn't really matter, as both require a rebuild but usually if it's slipping and not burned it's the converter.
If it's slipping and burned it would be clutches.

See, when a converter or pump either one goes it dumps crap into the trans and it needs to be disassembled and cleaned out at the very least. (Then the bad parts replaced)

If you do end up having to take it out and have it done, DO NOT forget to blow out the cooler lines before it goes back in.
Best is to use air to blow solvent both directions through the cooler lines multiple times.
If you blow it out only one way, garbage can hide around corners and get missed.
When it gets missed it can come loose and go right into the converter and pump, causing the same exact thing to happen again.

This is the order I would do it in.

1.Check and smell (then on to number two if that seems fine.)
2.Pan and filter inspection (then on to number three if that looks good)
3. disassembly and internal hard parts inspection (like sealing rings and bores in the pump and drums)

I doubt you will get past number two without having your answer though.
 
Ottmundr said:
I just purchased the car a week ago,

Prior to all this, I checked the transmission fluid (while in neutral). It was that nice pretty clear red color, and about 3/4 up between the add more and don't add no more lines.
Click to expand...

Ott,

Is the throttle pressure linkage (aka, kickdown) present and working properly?
 
Hey guys,

(in reverse order)
BadSport the linkage looks to be good, but I'd like to take it all apart, clean it up and lubricate all the moving and pivoting points for smoother operation.
TrailBeast, the ATF smells burnt as hell. So I gather that it's the clutches and not the torque converter or the pump from what you have told me. Am I correct so far?
 
Burnt smelling fluid = not good. Time for a rebuild more than likely.

That's why I asked about the TPL, if it's not installed or not working properly, the end result is toasted trans.
 
Ottmundr said:
Hey guys,

(in reverse order)
BadSport the linkage looks to be good, but I'd like to take it all apart, clean it up and lubricate all the moving and pivoting points for smoother operation.
TrailBeast, the ATF smells burnt as hell. So I gather that it's the clutches and not the torque converter or the pump from what you have told me. Am I correct so far?
Click to expand...

Yep, sadly it's time to pull it for a rebuild or replacement.
 
I want to thank everyone for all the help. I'm going to pull and replace the bad 904 in the next couple of weeks, courtesy of a nice shiny used one from Doug Dutra over at slantsix.org. That'll give me time to pull this bad boy apart and learn from rebuilding it.
 
Ottmundr said:
I want to thank everyone for all the help. I'm going to pull and replace the bad 904 in the next couple of weeks, courtesy of a nice shiny used one from Doug Dutra over at slantsix.org. That'll give me time to pull this bad boy apart and learn from rebuilding it.
Click to expand...

Keep us posted as to how that goes, lol. I have one I am going to rebuild as well, it oughta be interesting to say the least as I have never done one.
 
too bad it wasnt just a plugged filter. My suburban wouldnt go into gear after 'searching' for a few miles, in and out. Filter was Original with 170K on it! Rebuilding is alot like building a long stack of cups. Everything seems to nest into the next piece. That and some O-rings, slip rings and clutches. Good times!
 
Hi Guys!

I'm pulling my trans tomorrow. I've used the search function looking for an order of operations list for replacing the trans. I'm basically looking for First do A, then do B type checklist. I've got my ziplock baggies and sharpie for labeling nuts/bolts. I've got my tools, and the car is up on jackstands. And most importantly, I've got my Napa Smith Hopageddon beer. :drinkers:

I'll note down the tools used if anyone wants to write out the steps to to put it all together into a nifty little tools and procedures sticky.

Thanks for all the help so far!
 

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