Side pan removal...in car

[MontyJ]

Hey Bill,

I was looking at your write up here: http://www.grandprixforums.net/how-t...ess-54448.html.

I am going to pull the side cover off the recent rebuild because I am beginning to suspect VB or CP gasket leakage as the cause of the problems I'm having. I noticed that you support the engine from above, but doesn't that prevent the engine/tranny assembly from coming down? Does lowering the entire assembly affect the top motor mount or exhaust piping? Do the tranny cooler lines need to be disconnected? Sorry for all the questions, but I really need to get this dang thing fixed as soon as possible. I'm ordering new VB and CP gaskets from TEP today.

Also, here is a rundown of the problems I'm experiencing, maybe someone has a suggestion:

Normal town driving seems fine. 1-2, 2-3 shifts feel fine. Occassionally, when pulling a steep hill from a low speed (maybe 2nd gear) it doesn't want to downshift...kind of hard to describe actually, but it doesn't feel right. Also, hard acceleration will sometimes cause a mis-shift/delayed shift 1-2, sometimes 2-3.

On the interstate is where a big problem was discovered. Last week I took it out on the highway and all seemed fine. A couple of days ago I took it out again and bingo, something is wrong. At cruising speed (65mph) all is good, rpm's are 1750 and it's smooth sailing. As soon as I start to take even the smallest hill, it seems like the TCC unlocks, but there is no power, the engine just revs. As soon as the car slows to approx 47mph, I can feel a gear engage (maybe 3rd?) and speed back up to cruising speed again. The same thing happens if I am cruising along (again, highway speeds 65mph) and suddenly let off the gas: TCC unlock, but it's not in gear.

I have reason to believe the torque wrench I used is not reliable, so I may have the leakage I described. In any event, I have to believe the problem lies somewhere in the VB/CP area, since that is the common denominator to these problems considering the only time they occur is under load.

If anyone has any ideas, I am all ears. We have been without our DD for 2 months now.

Thanks.

[BillBoost37]

I support from above, get the subframe off, then use an ATV jack (or anything else you have suitable to lower the drivetrain. I usually still have the support above with the chain loose enough to give it a good amount of movement, but still add a little safetey since you'll be partially under/next to it.

Trans lines, exhaust, coolant hoses, wlring etc.. it all has enough flex to allow you to lower things out w/o unhooking them.

I'm unsure about the gasket being the issue. I've heard of it blowing off pressure which casuse problems in all gears, not just one. Funky shifts etc are commonly TPS/MAF related and it's worth checking the TPS for smooth 0-100% operation adn checking/cleaning the maf as well. Many times a trans is rebuilt and these seem to pop out of no where. Well the old trans was compensating and the new trans being fresh and tight...doesn't compensate as well.

Might also be worthwhile stopping by a trans shop. Play it smart enough to have them tell you what they think it is.. then go fix it.

[MontyJ]

Looks like I'm pulling the tranny. Yesterday afternoon I used a whole can of MAF sensor cleaner and test drove, same problems. This morning I bought a new MAF and TPS, test drove...same problems. I might just try dropping it low enough to get to the VB. If I find a problem there, maybe I won't have to pull the whole thing.

I have seen people post tranny pressures and temps, etc...What tool/scanner would I need to do that? Maybe that will give me some indication of what to look for before I tear into it.