Need a transmission place

Well my 1997 silverado couldn't handle the boat on the ride back home today!

I believe it to be a seal that blew...but here was the happenings:

driving at 75. flat level ground. suddenly I saw the RPM kick up to 3000. like it shifted down a gear/ into overdrive.
tried to let off the gas to see if it would shift out but it just lowered the RPM, gave it the gas again and it went back into the 3000 range again.

My buddy said he felt a little bit of surging.

I then looked out the mirror and saw some white smoke coming from behind the truck so I pulled it off and shut it down. popped the hood but no smoke. sounded like the engine coolant was boiling (cooled down quickly and was at normal hot level on the overflow tank)...but I did have the AC on even though it is need of a charge.

I looked under to see where there was lots of oil...or so I thought because it was darker in color. I thought maybe my oil pan...but on closer inspection and smelling it was transmission fluid. probably old or burnt.

the smoke was where it was spraying on the muffler and burning off.

lots of fluid ended up underneath and on the boat and trailer...fun cleaning that off.

got it on the trailer and to my dads house and need to find a place to take it to. needs to be closer to brighton.

I am still trying to figure out where exactly it came from and it is indeed the transmission.

I checked the fluids and everything was still showing within the limits.

I started the truck up and it drove up onto the trailer fine. but I did notice it looked like more fluid leaked out although it could have been residual from the initial problem.


anyone have recommendations on what it might be or where to go? I would like to get it to someone tomorrow if possible.

Dont know down there but my experience is a decent warranty on tranny work is WAY worth a dollar or two more!

Never tow anything in overdrive, always use drive when towing or pulling grades. Very common on those to overheat and smoke the 3-4 clutch pack. Depending on if its been done before it probably needs a new valve body with all the updates for the P1870 trans component slipping code and over all better performance. Also sunshell breakage is pretty common and will be more likely after being overheated. Their is a trans fluid overflow hose over the exhaust thats probably where the fluid came from.

Their are a lot of hackjob small shops around that fix them but buyer beware my suggestion on that particular trans is to get a GM reman with all the updates. I could rebuild it in my driveway in 20 minutes just like most shops but it will fail again only quicker this time without proper care. Once they get hot the front pump and torque convertor are also prone to failure. You could install a reman your self or find a reputable shop that will fix it up.

Also have the fuel filter checked when experiencing trans problems.

Uh...something wrong with that shiny new truck you have in the driveway? [Coffee]

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Originally Posted by sniper7

Well my 1997 silverado couldn't handle the boat on the ride back home today!

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No his old one

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Originally Posted by Gunner

No his old one

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Yeah, got that.
Put that new cheby to work!

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Originally Posted by Graves

Uh...something wrong with that shiny new truck you have in the driveway? [Coffee]

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yeah it only has 51 miles on it! supposed to wait until 500 before you tow anything!!!! that is why the old one got the job!

anyone else?

anybody ever hear of http://www.transmissionsuperstores.com/

or opinions of AAMCO

or this place: http://www.transmissionsuperstores.com/


Tomorrow I'm planning on getting this thing figured out. I really think it was just a front seal that blew...but I'm not sure since the fluid was black! although I don't have a clue when it was changed last or if the tranny ever had work on it before I owned it.

thanks for the help guys.


also...anyone know how hard it is to remove a tranny and re-install? that would save me some good money and I'm on vacation so i have the time.

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Originally Posted by Graves

Yeah, got that.
Put that new cheby to work!

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hit 100 miles tonight! gettin crazy!!!

AAMCO=warranty,,,usally dang good
Father's Buick Park Ave neded trans at 185,000 after AAMCO went to 350,000++
Now my sisters still driving it.

Eh, I'm hesitant to recommend these guys because it's been at least 5 years since I've been there, but they were great for me and did a QUICK turnaround the day before I went to Moab.

I forget the name, but they are on Wadsworth on the east side, a few blocks north of I-70. There's a liquor store in a strip mall right near them - I bought the guys a 12 pack of Coors for hooking me up with the quick turnaround.

Anyway, you might stop by for an estimate. Wish I had a name for ya.

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Originally Posted by sniper7

anyone else?

anybody ever hear of http://www.transmissionsuperstores.com/

or opinions of AAMCO

or this place: http://www.transmissionsuperstores.com/


Tomorrow I'm planning on getting this thing figured out. I really think it was just a front seal that blew...but I'm not sure since the fluid was black! although I don't have a clue when it was changed last or if the tranny ever had work on it before I owned it.

thanks for the help guys.


also...anyone know how hard it is to remove a tranny and re-install? that would save me some good money and I'm on vacation so i have the time.

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Its not to hard, if its 2 wheel drive its real easy. Did the check engine light come on?

There are a few transmission rebuild shops in town that do a decent job and offer a good warranty. Lots of the companies that rebuild are offering a 18 month 18K mile warranty standard. The 4l60 in yours is very common and should be a low cost rebuild. I would guess (remember guess, you want real numbers give me a call and I will hunt them down for you) that you are looking 3-3500 parts and labor to R and R and rebuild. The longer the warranty the more it will cost.

The other option is to get a low mileage take out. I know a few places that will give a 12 month warranty for a few extra bucks and that will lower cost dramatically.

ok
it's a 1997 1500??????? 4x4 350? 150k miles?
just guessing on edmunds with those numbers, average condition
in good shape it's worth $2000 on trade in or $2500 in private party.

I've found edmunds to be pretty accurate.

it's certainly not worth putting a $3000 transmission into.

run your own numbers, but that truck is 15 years old and it's not a classic.

sell it for parts/non-running and buy another one same year and mileage and you'd be further ahead.

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Originally Posted by trlcavscout

Its not to hard, if its 2 wheel drive its real easy. Did the check engine light come on?

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it is 4wd so a little tougher I guess.

check engine light was on before. needs new 02 sensors. and I haven't ran the codes on it yet.

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Originally Posted by JohnTRourke

ok
it's a 1997 1500??????? 4x4 350? 150k miles?
just guessing on edmunds with those numbers, average condition
in good shape it's worth $2000 on trade in or $2500 in private party.

I've found edmunds to be pretty accurate.

it's certainly not worth putting a $3000 transmission into.

run your own numbers, but that truck is 15 years old and it's not a classic.

sell it for parts/non-running and buy another one same year and mileage and you'd be further ahead.

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I'm considering this route as well.

although I was told from AAMCO and one of the other tranny places I called about $1800 out the door. transmission super store said $1800 and includes a 3 year 100K warranty

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Originally Posted by sniper7

I'm considering this route as well.

although I was told from AAMCO and one of the other tranny places I called about $1800 out the door. transmission super store said $1800 and includes a 3 year 100K warranty

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My guess was bad then. Like I said that is a very popular transmission so it must be less expensive to build it that I thought.

ETA: Swapping it yourself would not be that hard. On a lift I could drop it and have another in it in a day. I am a bit slower flatbacking it.

RUN away from AAMCO. Heard way too many horror stories.

The place I would recommend isn't local. Ken's Transmisions in Buena Vista. Known them for probably a good 20 years.

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Originally Posted by 00tec

RUN away from AAMCO. Heard way too many horror stories.

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what are the horror stories and where did you hear them?
after going on their website they are a national chain and a pretty good warranty. With that said I am pretty careful who I deal with so if you have some factual info I would be more than happy to listen.

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Originally Posted by tmleadr03

My guess was bad then. Like I said that is a very popular transmission so it must be less expensive to build it that I thought.

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I was looking at the rebuild kits online and they are relatively cheap. it is just the damn labor getting the thing in and out that costs so much

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Originally Posted by sniper7

I was looking at the rebuild kits online and they are relatively cheap. it is just the damn labor getting the thing in and out that costs so much

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Meh, not so much. And I would not rebuild a transmission, I would get a low mileage take out before I went that route.

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Originally Posted by sniper7

I'm considering this route as well.

although I was told from AAMCO and one of the other tranny places I called about $1800 out the door. transmission super store said $1800 and includes a 3 year 100K warranty

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still, you are talking about spending 2 grand on a 2,000 dollar truck.
It adds no value. (a car is required to have an engine, transmission, tires and seats, having new or rebuilt ones just means that you have it)

dump it.
You already have another truck, what do you need this one for?
more insurance, plates, etc.

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Originally Posted by sniper7

what are the horror stories and where did you hear them?
after going on their website they are a national chain and a pretty good warranty. With that said I am pretty careful who I deal with so if you have some factual info I would be more than happy to listen.

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Car forums I used to frequent, my Grandfathers car, and a very recent experience with my dad's buddy.

With most of the cases I read about, the same with grandpa's car and with my dads friend, AAMCO didn't get it right the first time, or in some cases, the 2nd and 3rd.

Dads friend has a newer Chevy truck, took it in, had it rebuilt to the tone of $4k, and didnt even make it home. Then the price goes up because now they say he needs a new case.

Grandpa's Chrysler, 3 trips in (2yr span), he gave it up and scrapped it.

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Originally Posted by tmleadr03

Meh, not so much. And I would not rebuild a transmission, I would get a low mileage take out before I went that route.

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yeah I will look at that as well.

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Originally Posted by JohnTRourke

still, you are talking about spending 2 grand on a 2,000 dollar truck.
It adds no value. (a car is required to have an engine, transmission, tires and seats, having new or rebuilt ones just means that you have it)

dump it.
You already have another truck, what do you need this one for?
more insurance, plates, etc.

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it is my airport vehicle/hunting rig. I am OCD with my new one. I don't want it sitting out at the airport or getting scratched up and beat up hunting.

Pull & Pay? Get one and freshen it up.

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Originally Posted by Mazin

Pull & Pay? Get one and freshen it up.

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good thought as well.

I think I will take it to AAMCO in brighton and see what they say the problem is. they say they check them for free...so we will see what happens with that and then go from there. I will take it over there tomorrow AM. If it is a crazy price I will probably just sell the truck for parts. If not I don't mind putting some money into it, just not over 2K.

UPDATE:

Did some more researching on my own and found out there is a vent tube on the 4L60E transmission. that tube can have a hose on it and directed any which way. mine was directed so that it allowed the engine fan to spray the shit out of ATF all over the place. that fluid ended up on the exhaust which burned much like oil and caused the while smoke.

so I did a full transmission service myself with new filter, gasket and fluid today. cleaned up all the residue and the thing runs like a champ.

I think what happened was trying to run the A/C (which needs a charge badly), the higher temps in the afternoon, plus pulling a boat at 80mph and had gone uphill a bit as well caused the problem.

I will look and see what else could be the cause but as of now the tranny shifts perfect, ran through all the gears no problem, fluid looks good now, and is basically good to go.

thanks to everyone for your help and input.

here is the vent tube for those interested. you can run a hose from there to pretty much wherever you want.:

https://encrypted-tbn3.google.com/im...Cudj4J-CmjzLOQ

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Originally Posted by sniper7

UPDATE:

Did some more researching on my own and found out there is a vent tube on the 4L60E transmission. that tube can have a hose on it and directed any which way. mine was directed so that it allowed the engine fan to spray the shit out of ATF all over the place. that fluid ended up on the exhaust which burned much like oil and caused the while smoke.

so I did a full transmission service myself with new filter, gasket and fluid today. cleaned up all the residue and the thing runs like a champ.

I think what happened was trying to run the A/C (which needs a charge badly), the higher temps in the afternoon, plus pulling a boat at 80mph and had gone uphill a bit as well caused the problem.

I will look and see what else could be the cause but as of now the tranny shifts perfect, ran through all the gears no problem, fluid looks good now, and is basically good to go.

thanks to everyone for your help and input.

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SELL IT NOW!!!!!!!!!!!!!
while it still runs!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

:-)

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Originally Posted by JohnTRourke

SELL IT NOW!!!!!!!!!!!!!
while it still runs!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

:-)

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that is the plan!!!