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Say it ain't the tranny...

 
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Nap.Ninja



Joined: 12 Sep 2004
Posts: 129
Location: Portland, OR

PostPosted: Wed Apr 02, 2008 2:24 am    Post subject: Say it ain't the tranny... Reply with quote

Hi everyone,

I’ve had an issue that I ignored the first and second time but now it’s done it again so it’s time to inquire.
Recently, my stock ’86 E30 has been slightly sputtering, jerking and momentarily loosing power/traction in the rear wheels. This has happened only on the highway and mainly when I pop it into 4th gear, but I have felt it in 5th before as well. Usually, this occurs when I need power the most to get rolling and catch up to speed on the highway, so the parts are under pressure/stress. So far, it's only done it for a second or two, but enough to notice and get that slight sinking feeling in your stomach ("Oh $h*t, will I loose all power right here on the busy highway!?"). I have not noticed any new noises or whines, just this slippage. I also noticed this morning that I now have a very small leak in the rear of the car (under the differential) whereas I did not previously have that.
My car just turned 200K miles and 21 years old. I have a really bad feeling that this is transmission related – can anyone give any thoughts on that one?

Thank you!
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dale



Joined: 22 Aug 1999
Posts: 3087
Location: Seattle, WA USA

PostPosted: Wed Apr 02, 2008 2:37 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

Tell us more.
Eta engine? Manual transmission? Maint history? How long have you owned it?

If the engine is missing under load I doubt it is the transmission. Likely more like the secondary ignition, coil, cap, rotor, plug wires, spark plugs.
When was the last time you changed plugs?
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Nap.Ninja



Joined: 12 Sep 2004
Posts: 129
Location: Portland, OR

PostPosted: Wed Apr 02, 2008 2:46 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

Hi.

Thanks for responding.

Here's what I can tell you, the transmission is a stock 5 speed manual and I've owned the car for 4 great years. She's never failed or let me down then again, I do take very good care of her, plus I keep up on my preventative maintenance fairly well.
As for the ignition elements, I changed all of the parts mentioned probably about 3-3.5 years ago. I also have put next to no miles on the car buying it at 182K and as of today I'm at 201K. Not bad, plus, she stays in the garage.

Hopefully that info helps a little?
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cmcon98



Joined: 13 Nov 2002
Posts: 1844
Location: Boston

PostPosted: Wed Apr 02, 2008 8:46 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

I also think it's probably ignition or fuel-related. Could be the fuel filter, fuel pump, fuel pump relay or main relay. The relays are about $10 each and take seconds to replace, so I'd start there. They are under a smallblack plastic cover just ahead of the driver's side shock tower under the hood. The relays are probably as old as the car,so even if they're not the problem, it's a good idea to replace them.

Your transmission is fine. Are you sure the clutch isn't slipping?
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bimmerjo



Joined: 24 Jun 2006
Posts: 389
Location: Aurora, Mo

PostPosted: Wed Apr 02, 2008 9:26 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

when you lose power at the rear wheels, does your motor rev? that could tell us alot, cause that would mean the clutch is slipping... if it doesnt, then its motor related
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Ken Juul



Joined: 16 Jan 2002
Posts: 913
Location: Williamsburg, VA USA

PostPosted: Wed Apr 02, 2008 9:44 am    Post subject: Clutch Reply with quote

Quote:
This has happened only on the highway and mainly when I pop it into 4th gear, but I have felt it in 5th before as well. Usually, this occurs when I need power the most to get rolling and catch up to speed on the highway, so the parts are under pressure/stress. So far, it's only done it for a second or two, but enough to notice and get that slight sinking feeling in your stomach ("Oh $h*t, will I loose all power right here on the busy highway!?"). I have not noticed any new noises or whines, just this slippage.


classic symptoms of the clutch slipping. Plan on replacing the clutch/pressure plate/throwout and all the other side items that you should do while your in there. You should do it as soon as possible so the flywheel doesn't get scored beyond repair.
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Nap.Ninja



Joined: 12 Sep 2004
Posts: 129
Location: Portland, OR

PostPosted: Wed Apr 02, 2008 11:19 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

Hi everyone,

To answer some questions, yes, the motor does rev. The RPM's go crazy.
It sounds like this is a slipping clutch from what I'm reading, however, the relays probably aren't a bad item to replace anyway.
Also, thanks for the tip on replacing it quickly because I probably would let it ride for a bit longer but now that I know the flywheel could suffer then it's worth getting on ASAP.

Any other comments are welcome.

Thank you all!
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tncean



Joined: 26 Feb 2005
Posts: 1652
Location: Chattanooga, Tn.

PostPosted: Thu Apr 03, 2008 5:44 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

Some "while you're in there's"..
Rear engine oil seal
pilot bearing
resurface flywheel
shifter linkage
ALL clutch components
tranny mounts

?rear tranny seal inspect, change if needed. if "rattles" in neutral, at idle, input shaft bearing in tranny.
?driveshaft inspect, center bearing?

Good time to consider starter, as well.
muffler mounting rubber bits.

There's probably some others.

t
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davidteachey



Joined: 18 Mar 2003
Posts: 441
Location: Charlotte, NC, USA, Earth

PostPosted: Thu Apr 03, 2008 10:09 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

I concur with the others that your clutch is slipping (the rising revs are the give-away)....and as the others stated, please consider doing all the other things "that are easier because you're already in there"....it adds a bit to the parts cost, but you'll be sooooooo glad that you did it all at once. Good luck!

David
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Nap.Ninja



Joined: 12 Sep 2004
Posts: 129
Location: Portland, OR

PostPosted: Thu Apr 03, 2008 10:48 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

Thanks guys and yeah, the consensus agrees that it is the clutch so it's been taken to my mechanic this morning for a fairly pricey fix :-/

Thank you, everyone!
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tncean



Joined: 26 Feb 2005
Posts: 1652
Location: Chattanooga, Tn.

PostPosted: Thu Apr 03, 2008 1:45 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Bet it's less than a couple of "new" car payments, insurance, etc..

t
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Nap.Ninja



Joined: 12 Sep 2004
Posts: 129
Location: Portland, OR

PostPosted: Thu Apr 03, 2008 2:16 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Tncean - Yeah, it is. I've got two mechanics, one who is a BMW specialist and one that is a tried and true 'good-ole-boy'. This job is going to him. I'm out the door for $840 with stock, OEM parts. Not too bad...
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tncean



Joined: 26 Feb 2005
Posts: 1652
Location: Chattanooga, Tn.

PostPosted: Fri Apr 04, 2008 6:47 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

Would strongly suggest the "while you are in there's" that were mentioned earlier. A few more $, but well worth it. Shifter bushings are wear items, too. You will be pleased with how much more "positive" and smooth the shifting of gears will be.

t
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