Like the topic says, I still have extremly fine metallic particles when I drained my TKO. Their not ferrious and are so small that they cant even really be seen with a microscope. Theres not alot, but enough to give it a sort of a metallic appearance in the light. Im also having trouble getting it to syncronize when the transmission and engine speeds differ alot (IE, downshifting into second from third).

Im guessing that these issues are related. The pilot bearing Im using is basically a large cartrige bearing that fits into the pilot for the TC, not the small roller bearings or a bushing. My guess is that theres too much resistance in that bearing. The rear wheels can be turned freely in first with the clutch pedal depressed, so its not too much, but maybe too much for the synchros.

Does this seem logical? What else can shed non-ferrous meterials in the trans?

 

Anyone have any ideas? Its too fine to be captured with a filter and a magnet doesnt pick it up, either. The fluid has a metallic opalecent look to it.

 

It also appears that the trans is leaking around the case plug, in addition to the metal (which is probably aluminum). I assume its cashed in its chips early?

 

Man, this sucks. It took nearly a year to get the installation right and it took all of about 5 minutes to stretch the case and ruin it. Just another toothpick like the T-5 that cant handle the power.

 

How did you break the TKO?

 

Heh, the same way I broke the last few transmissions, I put it behind my 350. My guess is that I just exceeded its actual torque capacity. I also have 2.77's, and the car was able to go 0-60 in 5 secs without having to rev over 5000 RPM, so it was having alot of torque funneled through it. It seems as though the case stretched in that area, and allowed the race to spin in the case, which would explain the metal in the fluid, the leak around the plug, and the increasing difficulty shifting. I think its a record. Seems like it lasted all of 5 minutes after break-in.

 

Whoa. 0-60 in 5 seconds with 2.77's and NOT shifting above 5000 rpm? WTF? Is your car supercharged/turbocharged or something?

 

Its about 200 lbs lighter then stock as the interior was out for some time for repairs. The 350 has vortec heads and a 204/214 .420/.442 cam, along with a 3.5" MAF/intake and full 3" exhaust, so it was fully open at both ends. Evidently it must work well because it twisted the body and ruined every driveline component Ive stuck behind it. Next car is going to have a bone stock 4.3L V6 or something. Im tired of breaking stuff... I want to have a slow car that doesnt break like everyone else on the road.

 

I dont know what the deal is with this thing. I put ATF back in it and now it shifts smoothly again. If its ok, then why all the metal in the fluid and leaking around the case plug? What the hell could be wrong with it? Im going to pull out all my hair out at this rate.

 

Crazy...

Your right, it does sound like you tweaked the case. It would definately explain the filings, hard shift and leak...


Oh well, run it till it blows and replace it!

 

Im still amazed that he hurt the TKO like that. I thought the cases couldnt be tweaked like the T-5's. Arent the TKO's supposed to have a stronger case?

Do you have a TKO500 or TKO600? Or is this an original TKO?

And you twisted the body? With sub-frame connectors? I want the engine in YOUR car!

 

I didnt have SFC's in the car yet. I was getting ready to put them in until I found out about this.

Its a TKO-500. Either I tweaked the case, or its seperate, unrelated problems. But with the luck I have, the case is f'd and so is the trans.