Transmission Question Before I Replace it

[hurtwj]

I purchased my 1992 850 Auto about a year ago. I am slowly working on it getting it road worthy again. Since purchase, I have only put about 10 test miles on the car. The reverse worked and now it is not working. I replaced the filter and fluid. Do you think a valve body rebuild would fix do anything or just replace the transmission? I called a company that rebuilds ZF valve bodies and he didn't think that the valve body had anything to do it not going into reverse. The car was sitting for a few years before I purchased it. Thanks in advance for any help.

[Timm]

Yes, that does sound like the check-ball problem in the valve body, they are ceramic and gradually wear and reduces in size to a point where it gets stuck in an oil gallery. However, I would guess that the fella is just gummed up after all those years of sitting. It is certainly worth a try at getting the gearbox temperature up by driving and keep trying to get into reverse.....

[shogun]

In case the car sat for a few years, all is gummed up in the valve body, even the solenoids could be sticking. I would give it a try to clean the valve body, replace the balls, and for the 4HP24 you always need a new gasket between the valve body plates, that is baked onto the plates.
If you would live in Japan, you could send me the valve body for overhaul.

[rjjablo]

Cleaned mine out with Shogun's help. Did not fix the problem because the clutches and plates in mine are shot.

A lot cheaper and easier than removing and replacing the transmission

[shogun]

Usually after you have removed the ATF pan, carefully inspect the bottom of the oil pan and the magnets, as well as the ATF. Does the ATF smell burnt, is dark? Bad sign. Are there larger particles on the magnets or in the oil pan like metal pieces 1-2 cm large: bad sign, in such a case it is better to change the trans. But there are always small particles inside from the clutch packs, that is normal, like dust.
Some pics how it looks usually inside the valve body of a 4HP24 http://e32b12.blogspot.com/search/label/4HP24

[hurtwj]

Thanks, There was only dust particles and didn't have any large pieces. I am trying to find a valve body rebuild kit. Any suggestions?

Usually after you have removed the ATF pan, carefully inspect the bottom of the oil pan and the magnets, as well as the ATF. Does the ATF smell burnt, is dark? Bad sign. Are there larger particles on the magnets or in the oil pan like metal pieces 1-2 cm large: bad sign, in such a case it is better to change the trans. But there are always small particles inside from the clutch packs, that is normal, like dust.
Some pics how it looks usually inside the valve body of a 4HP24 http://e32b12.blogspot.com/search/label/4HP24

[shogun]

call Eriksson if they have stock or if you can send yours there https://zftranspart.pinnaclecart.com//