tranny help :(

After running around town for about an hour, and then somewhat trying to keep up with an 03 Cobra, my 2.3 started smoking badly. I was just a couple block from meeting up with friends, so I held out. I got there, parked, and realized it was puking tranny fluid onto the cats.

I simply topped her off after supper, and went on my way with no driving problems. What about tomorrow? Am I screwed? Did after 174K, she finally bite the bullet? Any ideas/options?

Well I just took a look under her after sitting an hour or two. The fluid was/is running down the rear of the oil pan. So, whatever is ****ed, is on the front half.

ka0tyk said:

You sure its tranny fluid?

If its an auto: you need to check/replace the front pump...

If its a manual: check the front bearing retainer. If cracked replace with a steel unit, the aluminum's are prone to cracking.

If its motor oil, replace yer rear main seal.

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I'll put my money on it. It is an auto, but nothing other than fluid is being check/topped off. I bought this POS 2 years ago for $595, and have gotten 20K miles out of it. Hell, I haven't even changed the oil it probably half a year if not longer. All this car gets is gas. I'm moving to Fl in less than 3 weeks. This will be sold before hand.

Crovax said:

Do the autos have the little plastic breather tube like the manuals?

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I was kinda wondering about that. I was thinking they might have some sort of one eay valve incase the fluid overheats, like in my situation.

ka0tyk said:

the a4ld has an overflow breather thing but its located towards the rear of the transmission...

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Well thats good to know. Maybe I somehow blew this out?

Anyway, I thought the process of ignoring the problem might work, but no! I drove to school(leaving early) and she drove fine. She drove home fine as well. Then I ran to the bank and then about another 8 miles across town, still fine. Then I hit the interstate again.

The car for a month or two has had a slight problem on the interstate. Once and a while when I hit about 65, and let up(letting her go into OD). she would start to loose speed. I coudl floor it, but nothing. I learned to simply let up until she slows down to 55ish, and then mash the gas so it downshifts.

Well today, she started to loose speed again. I let up, and started to slow down, getting ready to mash the gas at 55. I tried it, but it didn't work this time. Next thing I know, I see tons of smoke coming through the shifter.

I coasted her another mile to where my notch is stored, and swapped cars. The 2.3 is sitting till saturday when I have time to jack her up, and inspect the damage.