Range Rover Classic - Gearbox slipping when warm
Discussion
Hi all,
after purchasing a 1983 OneTen this summer (see PH Carpool), I'm come across an affordable 1987 RR Classic 3.5 EFI in the Netherlands. Given current euro exchange rate and the fact that these cars (especially when RHD) are not popular in the Netherlands, I am considering bringing this car to the UK for some fun and perhaps a sale in a year or so. Car is a Camel Trophy replica.
Car seems to be in decent condition - only real issue mentioned is that the gearbox (ZF4HP22 auto) starts to slip when the engine/box warm up. In my budget, I'm counting on a full gearbox replacement (c. £1,200 in both the UK or the Netherlands), but would you guys have any experiences/thoughts around this problem?
When searching the internet, I find a lot of steer towards 'topping up the fluid level' but any other suggestions/experiences from your side? Looking forward to hearing from you.
after purchasing a 1983 OneTen this summer (see PH Carpool), I'm come across an affordable 1987 RR Classic 3.5 EFI in the Netherlands. Given current euro exchange rate and the fact that these cars (especially when RHD) are not popular in the Netherlands, I am considering bringing this car to the UK for some fun and perhaps a sale in a year or so. Car is a Camel Trophy replica.
Car seems to be in decent condition - only real issue mentioned is that the gearbox (ZF4HP22 auto) starts to slip when the engine/box warm up. In my budget, I'm counting on a full gearbox replacement (c. £1,200 in both the UK or the Netherlands), but would you guys have any experiences/thoughts around this problem?
When searching the internet, I find a lot of steer towards 'topping up the fluid level' but any other suggestions/experiences from your side? Looking forward to hearing from you.
From the RRC factory workshop manual:
Symptom: Slip in all forward gears.
Carry out main line pressure check.
Result:
NO PRESSURE. FAULT= Blocked filter or pump failure
LOW PRESSURE. FAULT= Restricted filter and/or sticking primary regulator
NORMAL PRESSURE. FAULT= Clutch 'A'
Blocked or restricted filters is not unusual & it's worth changing the filter - not difficult - & replacing the fluid. The old fluid should be a nice clear red & not burnt looking. There is a school of thought that says gearbox engagement faults can follow after a filter & fluid change as it stirs up debris in the box (from the plates) which then clogs the governor. Although the governor can be cleaned the fault may recur & its box overhaul time. See Ashcroft Transmissions http://www.ashcroft-transmissions.co.uk/frequently...
As you have nothing to lose I'd advise filter & fluid & see what happens.
BTW the age of yours you would be better getting the paper manual as the later RAVE disc doesn't cover the earlier ones. Mine's a 1986 3.5EFi automatic. The manual is Publication Number SRR660ENWM & covers MY 1986 to 1989. Sometimes appear 2nd hand on ebay. This one is currently £15 with no bids. http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Range-Rover-workshop-man...
There's a new one which they're asking £58.95 plus p&p
Symptom: Slip in all forward gears.
Carry out main line pressure check.
Result:
NO PRESSURE. FAULT= Blocked filter or pump failure
LOW PRESSURE. FAULT= Restricted filter and/or sticking primary regulator
NORMAL PRESSURE. FAULT= Clutch 'A'
Blocked or restricted filters is not unusual & it's worth changing the filter - not difficult - & replacing the fluid. The old fluid should be a nice clear red & not burnt looking. There is a school of thought that says gearbox engagement faults can follow after a filter & fluid change as it stirs up debris in the box (from the plates) which then clogs the governor. Although the governor can be cleaned the fault may recur & its box overhaul time. See Ashcroft Transmissions http://www.ashcroft-transmissions.co.uk/frequently...
As you have nothing to lose I'd advise filter & fluid & see what happens.
BTW the age of yours you would be better getting the paper manual as the later RAVE disc doesn't cover the earlier ones. Mine's a 1986 3.5EFi automatic. The manual is Publication Number SRR660ENWM & covers MY 1986 to 1989. Sometimes appear 2nd hand on ebay. This one is currently £15 with no bids. http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Range-Rover-workshop-man...
There's a new one which they're asking £58.95 plus p&p
Forgot to say:
Before you drain the old fluid check the level. if it's correct then drain the old fluid, change the filter & replace the fluid with the same quantity you drained before re-checking the level.
You will not get all the fluid out when you drain it as a fair bit remains inside the torque converter which can't be emptied unless you take it off (gearbox off or engine out!) so just putting in the quantity specified in the manual which is for a completely empty system will result in a large overfill.
Before you drain the old fluid check the level. if it's correct then drain the old fluid, change the filter & replace the fluid with the same quantity you drained before re-checking the level.
You will not get all the fluid out when you drain it as a fair bit remains inside the torque converter which can't be emptied unless you take it off (gearbox off or engine out!) so just putting in the quantity specified in the manual which is for a completely empty system will result in a large overfill.
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