Automatic Transmission Drinking Problem

[Thiazolium]

Hmmm, I have a problem where I think that the modulator on my transmission is somehow farkled and ATF is being sucked into the motor (nice soot ring around the exhaust), low transmission levels with not a drop of any fluid on the garage floor.

If anyone has (or thinks this is the case) experienced this, what have you done to fix it (and is it relatively straight forward)? I mean, short of, having the tranny serviced. [If this necessitates a new gear box - a 5 speed it will be; although I'd rather not replace anything - really] Thanks!!

Sorry - forgot details:
1992 - Vitara/Sidekick (2dr) - 3 speed Auto.

[jtgh]

Best Title award, yet !
mod valve
Slush pump diagnosis

the MV
http://carfix.stufftoread.com/tranny...lush/mod2a.jpg

i cant think of 1 thing you can a fix with out parts. ? or tools. on any engine or tranny.
i guess you can adjust the 2 linkages like my page shows.
I have there, all that can be done , tranny stays in car. (i hope?)

if 4wd ( what is yours, U no say) a Governer bad , takes a transfer case removal.

time , labor and or parts. it all costs$



step#1 ,drop vac. tube at tranny part shown above'
if it leaks red stuff, its bad.
if not sure,still, (i wouldnt be) i would do a leak down test with a barrowed or rented vacuum hand pump tool (mityvac, or HF Clone)

there is another way, ( as usual), if you like things like this.
make a box, of oil proof metal or plastic. (a sealed tank)
buy 2 vacuum nipple couplings ( nipple on one end, nut and washer other). Ace HW has them as does other places.
and put the two nipples on the box (drill it) then mount it with cable ties next to tranny
run vacuum in one side and tranny MV to the other , now drive.
if smoke clears, bingo.

it is a oil seperatation chamber you are makiing.
a drain valve on it can make daily drainings possible.

add a pump and tee fitting to the dip stick and its full loop , ahahahahaha
but shifting will get bad as the damage proceeds. (diaphram will completely fail , for sure !!!)

trick 2:
you could just plug the hose,and drive with crappy shift points to see of smoke clears.
lots of ideas, i dont have them all, just a few.
seen most of above.

[jtgh]

there are lots of ways to skin the tool cat.
buy a cheap crappy china made wrench in the correct mm size for above MV nut.
then grind it flat on a grinder , till it fits.
if you only knew how many mechs make their own tools..?

[Thiazolium]

Thanks for the fast response! Appreciated. Yup, it's a 4x4. No problem with the tools; I have pretty everything (including the MityVac). Dropping the tranny to work on it is not problem either.

I'm confused with the diagnosis you gave. Are you saying: hook up the MityVac (with gauge) to the modulator, create a vacuum, and look for a decrease in suction (gauge returns to atmospheric) to indicate a leak? I'm assuming if the gauge holds steady at X mmHg/PSI (negative) then the modulator is fine. Hence, if the gauge gains pressure (i.e. leaks) - replace the modulator?

Where should I be looking for the leaks? Should I attach the vacuum system elsewhere (with a capture flask) and assess the leak?

Thanks again.

[jtgh]

that is a very good leak down you stated.
yes,
when you pump the mityvac it moves (20 inches max , 15max is better) then let it hold for 1 minute. if it is solid , all is well ,no leaks.
no need to pull it if it is not ruptured. manual FSM says 20inches HG check for full plunger stroke and no leakdown on diagphragm.

i state the other tricks for others ,and your statement , no parts or large expense implied.. a way to capture the fluid and prove it leaks , with only minimal costs.
most PPL just do a leak down, nothing more. (if tranny shifts ok)

the book shows removing it and making sure it has full stroke and no mechanial binding and the leak down.
if yours shifts ok,and doesn't leak then tranny is aok.

I hope you fix your smoker.

cheers.

[Thiazolium]

Thanks again for the advice. It won't be until next week until I can get to it. When I do, I'll post my findings.