hi i've recently bought a 89 n/a auto haven't driven it much as waiting for a log book to tax, but when i select either forward or reverse it seems to take the box a little longer than expected to pick up the gear, then it seems to select it roughly i.e. it seems to snatch at the gear. i've checked the fluid its spot on and bright red with no smell of burning. any help would be appreciated would i be better just gettin another box?????

It could be the previous owner changed the fluid but didn't change the filter and its full of crap.

how much are the filters mate and where from, would the filter make it gearchange harsh, the lad who i got it off said he had had a full service done and it does seem to have all new belts and water pump, its also got a little leak from the back of the box but reding other post it sounds like an output seal

how much are the filters mate and where from, would the filter make it gearchange harsh, the lad who i got it off said he had had a full service done and it does seem to have all new belts and water pump, its also got a little leak from the back of the box but reding other post it sounds like an output seal

 

Mike at MJP in the traders section sells the filters and the sump gasket (including new screws) I think they are around £30. To check the filter you'll have to remove the sump anyway so its probably best for peace of mind. If the filter is badly clogged then it could be that the box is on its way out then you'll be looking at a new/good second hand one. We changed the filter on my mates and he only got an extra couple of weeks out of the box before it gave up.

thanx for that mate, i think i might just change the box it will be quicker ;)

thanx for that mate, i think i might just change the box it will be quicker ;)

 

I'd check the filter first, its not going to cost you anything just to look, rather than shelling out a few hundred £'s on an autobox. Or as more than a few people have done go for a manual conversion.

I will have an autobox available in a week or so if you are interested.

If the filter is blocked then this is an early sign of doom. And anyway, often the crap falls off the filter when the engine is off, and it only blocks the filter again after a little while.

 

Delayed engagment is, I feel, a typical sign that the box is on its way out. If I remember correctly it happens because the fluid escapes around the piston for a short while before it eventualy moves the piston and then engages the clutch.

 

A bodge, but if you are thinking of changing it anyway, pour half a litre of thinners into the box, this can swell the seals and make them work better, for a while.

 

BEWARE, it can go wrong. Up to you.