Message to Mike 19861

[Mike]

Hi Mike - You appear to be an authority on the board.  My 85 Eldorado (83K) travels smoothly on the highway at hi speeds, however, the car diesels when i come to a stop and the rear end bucks up.  i took it to a tranny place, and the mechanic suggested that i replace the tranny FILTER and put the old fluid back in.  the old fluid has a clean pink/purple colour and is not burnt but i have never changed it in the six years that i have owned the car.  what are your thoughts.
 
Thanks,
 
Mike

[Mike #19861]

This sounds like the typical Torque Convertor Clutch solenoid problem. There is a solenoid that traps fluid in the TCC which in turn locks up the convertor. Normal debris accumulation can prevent the solenoid from releasing, leaving the TCC engaged. This feels like you are coming to a stop in a manual transmission equipped car without depressing the clutch.

 The part is easily accessable by removing the transmission pan. There is also a high gear switch in series to the solenoid that should be replaced at the same time. And, while the pan is off, replace the filter. DO NOT reuse the oil fluid!

 I believe the solenoid is still availble from GM, or a Delco outlet. I would also recommend using an AC Delco filter kit and fluid.

  Mike

[Mike]

Thanks.  The tranny guy indicated that the old fluid probably contains "clutch material" that helps the tranny shift, clean fluid would possible result in transmission failure.  The tranny shifts nicely except for 3-4 up and down on highway grades when the 140 HORSES are kicking in.  

Thanks,

Mike

[Porter 21919]

Dont forget the frequent coolant changes and the manifold kit.

Porter