eric@genrad.UUCP (Eric Nathan) (09/17/85)
I currently own a 1976 Chevy Nova 250 - 6 cyl, bought new, and have
experienced many transmission problems in thre past. This car is well
maintained, and runs quite well despite its age and mileage, ( 150,000 -
just turned ). The automatic transmission has a history as listed below,
originally it was a 200 THM, and replaced by a 350 THM ( the one that was
previously put on all Novas prior to late 1975, early 1976.
Mileage: Problem: Repair costs:
44,000 Shifter not engaging in $ 27.00
"park" car will roll
61,000 No reverse gear $329.00
81,000 Pump worn out $487.00
---------
Subtotal $843.00
*****************REIMBURSEMENT FROM GM****** - $816.00
( All work was done by the Chevy dealer )__________
$ 27.00
This reimbursement was related to the GM
transmission failure that was in the media for
quite some time. I pursued this claim for 4 1/2 years !
Anyway back to the problem, at approximately 110,00 miles
the transmission began to leak, about 1 quart every 350 miles, so
I had the gasket changed, filter cleaned, and fluid replaced or added.
This did not make the problem better or worst, some 40,000 miles later
the problem is exactly the same. I have tightened the gasket fasteners, no
difference. I hope that it is not the front seal. The problem is not so bad,
although it leaks on the cement driveway and is a nuisance. If someone out
there in netland could suggest what the problem is, please respond by posting.
Incidently, my dealings with the Chevy dealer and mechanic have been good,
although could Amco or some other shop be recommended / dealings etc. I
just do not want to put money into a car, that has little value. The condition
of the car is good, body good, interior fair to poor, engine - a quart of oil
every 800 miles - honest ! Thanks, awaiting someone's help.
tmorris@convex.UUCP (09/21/85)
There are quite a few places that your tranny can be leaking that
are repairable with it in the car:
1.The pan gasket.( I know you had it replaced , but sometimes
they can be tough to get right)
2.The shift-shaft seal. Located where the gear selector lever
mechanism enters the tranny. Both Mac and Snap-on make a special
tool to change it with the tranny in the car.
3.The tailshaft seal . Where the driveshaft enters the tranny. Easy.
4.The govenor cover seal. Some are easy ,some are not .Round cover
near the rear . Some have a spring clip that holds them on. There
is a rubber O-ring on some that gets old and brittle.
5.The gasket where the front and rear housings meet. Not real easy,
but it can be done.
6.The cooling line fittings and lines . Piece of cake.
7.The vent tube. Usually a result of overfilling.
8.The dipstick/filler tube O-ring . Another easy one.
So how do you know which one to change ? Put the car on ramps ,take off
the flywheel cover and spray down the whole tranny with GUNK engine cleaner.
Hose it off , get it real clean . Then crank that bad boy up and with the brake
pedal held down hard , put it in gear and rev against the brakes. Shut it down
and go under it to see where the leaks are . If it is a slower leak ,you may
have to drive it a little.
HAPPY MOTORING !