bighorn gearbox

[sjmac]

Looks like I might have to replace the gearbox in my swb irmscher 94 3.2 v6 petrol. Any suggestions who is good in Auckland? And also anyone got an idea what it's gonna cost? Thanks heaps...

[deano2]

What's wrong, and why can't you change it over yourself?
Only way to learn about something is to tinker, a decent pit plus two trolley jacks should be suffice, draw yourself a diagram of what connects to what, put all the bolts you take off in a bowl of kero to clean themselves while yo work away.
Saves you heaps of dollars and the gearbox yo ar replacing it with, does it have a gaurentee? or is it going to be more troublesome than the one you already have.
Is is making nosies?
Email if you want to know more, I can pass on a name or two from up your way

[sjmac]

Thanks for your reply. Not sure what's happening yet. The gearbox is slipping in 3rd and in overdrive yet it's still being driven and the mechanic that drove it yesterday couldn't believe how good it's still going. 1st auto guy said it had to be completely recon but now not so sure. It's currently at another place who are going to check it out today, something about the computer that might be doing it. So fingers crossed that it's just that which is the cheaper problem! As for changing it myself, my father could do it for me but if a new gearbox isn't put in by a registered mechanic then the guarantee is void so we can't do that. Will be keeping fingers crossed today for a good outcome from the tests.

[deano2]

You know that well it is with mine (97 3.1 EFI Bighorn Lotus SE) the speedo wiring also works on the same computer network, it (the computer) controls torque delivery as well as disruption in the gears if the circuit is broken somewhere, If your mechanic doesn't know this take it to one that does, preferable firstly to an auto electrician so he can check all the circuits. They should be the first thing he checks is the circuit to make sure it doesn't have a break or loose connection somewhere. Sometimes wires get knocked when other work is being done, Trace your steps and have a think on what you have been doing or had done.
If you are losing overdrive of it feels as if it is not performing properly at lower end speeds (torque not coming through at the right revs) this could be the cause of the problem. It would be fairly strange for a gearbox to just end unless it has had a severe thrashing. Is it a recent import? have you had a towbar fitted? or was one already fitted? just that the previous owner might of slogged it out if their was one fitted, though unlikely, you have to consider all options of how previous owners treated the vehivle. Elimination by trial and error. If it is a recent import then it is more than likely not to have been a towing vehicle, as the little japs aren't into trailers from what I can understand.
As for a garentee sounds as if some one has already lined you up for a replacemnt gerbox, if they have then it is obvious they don't know how to fix the problem and replacemnt of the unit is the easiest way for them.
Go to a wreckers that does transplants if you are going to replace the unit, cheaper than a garage and they will give it a garuantee for a few months . Save your dollars for th ewomen, lol or what do they say "if it has tyres or tits you are going to have problems with it. Good luck let me know what happens.

[sjmac]

thanks, gosh you reply fast. It's in at a guy today who is going to do a bunch of tests to try and diagnose what's wrong. He's testing computer and he said that's what controls the pump pressure in the gearbox. As for the last sentence, I am a girl, so save more money for myself I guess.

[deano2]

Gee I'm not very observant am I? Tell you a little secret about mechanics, they treat ladies like they are completely dumb, so just tell them what yo have read in a roundabout way so he knows not to pull the wool over your eyes.
SOme mechaincs and I bet you he is one of them you could prove me wrong, but if they can not diagnose the problem they will tell you it needs replacing, because it saves time and they don't look foolinsh, ask him how many of these bighorns he has worked on in the past six months, plus they keep the spare parts that they can use them on some one else, not silly is it when you think about it.
Ask him about a second hand gearbox from a wreckers, or price one yourself, you might be surprised at how much you can save, at the moment you are paying him $50.00 an hour for a problem he doesnot know how to fix. And you say he has it for a day, hmmmm, yep spend the money on yourself, tootle loo, I'm off for a drive to CHCH, about 3.5 hours away enjoy the day.
Send me an email at [e-mail] and let me know whats happeing. Also give Genuine vehicle imports ask for a bloke by the name of Criag Hogg, he knows the names of a few wreckers that could help you. Nice bloke to do business with. 09 525 5885 He might even help you with your next vehicle at a very realistic price as well.
Enjoy your day
Deano (Inangahua Junction West Coast)

[MattMU]

Dont crucify me for asking a dumb question....but has your mechanic done all the preliminary checks you do on a transmission before jumping into the computer??

Trannys are very sensitive to the age and quality of the Trans Fluid. Usually any irregular operations are cured by a simple service. Filter and new fliud and band adjustment if the transmission allows.

Is the fluid level correct, this is VITAL to its operation, too full or low will cause lots of transmission problems.

It might just be me, but I prefer to do all the easy jobs on a mechanical taks before reprogramming and designing another vehicle!!!