Transmission woes...

[MovingTarget]

So, I just got off the phone with my mechanic. Looks like the transmission has gone out on my 87 Caprice. This is the Hydromatic 4-speed auto. The second gear is completely out, but the rest go through fine. I can go from 1-3-4, but cannot get it to shift into 2. I have verified this myself, but lack the tools/expertise to work on it directly.

So, looks like the mechanic will get ~$1650 worth of my worldly goods and services. I <3 my car, but my wallet isn't too pleased with it right now.

The one consolation, the other issue that I brought it in for I can fix myself. The alternator (BULK BEEF size) isn't putting out enough power. This I have replaced before and is easy to access on the car itself. At least I can save some serious $$ this way.

for my wallet. I wish I were more mechanically inclined.

 

[darom]

Have you tried finding the tranny online? There are places specializing in the transmission rebuilds. I feel your pain, if you had room/tools, you could have found a used pick-ur-part tranny and installed it yourself. Your car is probably worth the same amount as the tranny swap/rebuild job.

 

[Demon-Xanth]

You probably have a 700R4 (aka 4L60). I don't think they had gone to the 4L60E by then.

 

[KIAman]

Originally posted by: daromYour car is probably worth the same amount as the tranny swap/rebuild job.

QFT.

I will run my cars to the ground but once it gets to this point, it's time to let it go. My wife, before I met her, learned this the hard way. I had her count up all the money in repairs for her old Chevy for the last 2 years of ownership and it came to around $6000. That could easily have been towards a newer car with less troubles.

 

[npoe1]

Sometimes a car is a hobby... an expensive hobby

 

[MovingTarget]

Originally posted by: darom
Have you tried finding the tranny online? There are places specializing in the transmission rebuilds. I feel your pain, if you had room/tools, you could have found a used pick-ur-part tranny and installed it yourself. Your car is probably worth the same amount as the tranny swap/rebuild job.

That is what I would normally say, but this isn't a beater car. It has been meticulously cared for and even restored over the years. It just isn't worth it to get rid of. Besides, it is hard enough finding a full body-on-frame full size vehicle nowadays that isn't beat to hell or costs an arm and a leg. I really wish I had the space/tools. I could save myself an entire paycheck and then some...

 

[MovingTarget]

Originally posted by: Demon-Xanth
You probably have a 700R4 (aka 4L60). I don't think they had gone to the 4L60E by then.

That sounds about right. I'd have to take a look to confirm it though.

 

[thomsbrain]

There are still a few hours left for Cash For Clunkers. If you can drive it onto the lot, you can probably get $4500, which is $4499 more than its worth. Remember that a well-cared-for Caprice is still a Caprice.

 

[MovingTarget]

Update: Transmission overhauled and works great! I also replaced the alternator myself and recrimped my battery cables (the ends of which had gotten corroded). The A/C has issues though...seems to have a leak. However, I'll just wait until the spring before I look into that aside from dumping in another can of r134a. I can't afford ac work right now, and fall will be along soon... besides, I can still continue with the Cavalier as my dd until the weather cools enough.

Other planned distant future repairs: Upper suspension ball joints (a bit creaky but not in danger of failing), new radio/cd player (current unit has loose wire and randomly goes out...I just have to trace it down), new paint job (original light grey color), and maybe a supercharger...