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Transmission Or Torque Converter?
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Supporting Member of Barthmobile.com 12/20
Picture of Paul And Jaime
posted
Hey guys, my camping season may be over already due to a transmission or torque converter issue. I live on a steep hill and after my most recent trip of driving over 4 hours there and back in the Ky hills with the RV preforming beautifully, I arrived home and as I was pulling the hill the RV stalled, I restarted and as I put it in gear and gave it some gas there was a very loud screech from the bellhousing area, after some gentle coaxing it made it up the hill. I checked the fluid, and it was good in color and amount but smelled a little toasty. The next day I started it and while in park there is a little chirp that is in time with the motor, if I put the RV under load (holding break) I get that loud squeal. Now the transmission shifts fine in all gears, doesn't slip when taking off and seems fine.

1. If it is the torque converter, is it worth buying one and replacing and not have the transmission rebuilt?
2. If it is not the torque converter what else could it possibly be?

I will be doing all the work myself, in my driveway on a steep hill but I am not sure there is room to get the transmission out from under the RV when it removed yet, I haven't looked to close at it, still pretty gutted over the whole thing, any tips on not dying from the RV rolling away. Of course I will have wheel chocks, and I will pull my van behind the RV as a safety net.
Below is a link to a video so you can hear what it sounds like. This is in drive with the break pressed. The transmission is the TH400, fluid and filter changed 650 miles ago. This weekend I will drop the pan and have a look at the fluid. Used a stethoscope so 100 percent sure the noise is in that area.

https://drive.google.com/file/...oSh/view?usp=sharing
 
Posts: 166 | Location: Ky | Member Since: 10-20-2020Reply With QuoteReport This Post
Official Barth Junkie
Supporting Member of Barthmobile.com 1/24
Picture of Steve VW
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Never heard that sound before hmm It does seem the torque convertor is the source...

I replaced the trans on my Regal a while back. I installed a TCI trans and torque convertor. Results were very good. I was able to drag the trans from under the coach.

discussion here: https://www.barthmobile.com/ev...723999787#8723999787

Good luck with the project. Thumbs Up


9708-M0037-37MM-01
"98" Monarch 37
Spartan MM, 6 spd Allison
Cummins 8.3 325+ hp
 
Posts: 5245 | Location: Kalkaska, MI | Member Since: 02-04-2011Reply With QuoteReport This Post
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Paul And Jaime,
That transmission is 40 years old, and even if it hasn't worn out, there are likely to be parts that have aged out. It's a concern for my rig also.

First, if you are jacking up on a hill, recall that your parking brake is the drum at the rear of the transmission. If you have an option of "chaining" to a tree, that would be nice. Having solid jackstands, wood blocks, logs, are helpful.

If you yank the tranny, tell your transmission guy that it is the "475", the gears are cut different from the 400. I also always scan the ads for parts; I am keeping my eyes open for the 4L85E, it has an overdrive. There is a computer to control it too, so it is an added level of hassle. I would assume the driveshaft length will have to be changed, going shorter is easier if you have a driveshaft shop in your region.

Happy Wrenching!
Matt


1987 Barth 27' P32 Chassis
Former State Police Command Post
Chevrolet 454
Weiand Manifold, Crane Cam, Gibson Exhaust
 
Posts: 558 | Location: Massachusetts | Member Since: 07-28-2006Reply With QuoteReport This Post
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