| Author | Message | ||
     Edward Shoesmith New User Username: younghenri Post Number: 48 Registered: 10-2022 |
Hi Im Just curious to hear from more experienced owners of the R Type My R Type (which is a never ending saga - can't wait to get rid of this car TBH) developed an issue with its Auto Transmission. Upon reflection the issue was there from purchase. I noticed on cold starts the auto transmission was slipping slightly and a noise was emanating from then housing through the floor plan. Anyhow I was to busy stressing about the engine and carbs getting sorted and then of course once those appeared to be operating ok the gearbox issue become even more pronounced. Anyhow took it to a mechanic I know who is always busy but kindly put up on his hoist for diagnosis and he suggested he thought it was " possibly the front bearing or the pump main shaft support at the back of the pump. Unfortunately he would not fix the problem as had no time available. So I went an unknown automatic transmission specialist where it has been for some 8 weeks now. I'm curious to know from anyone with experiences removing the auto transmission from an R Type how long it should take to remove the transmission from the vehicle as I suspect I am yet again being taken for fool by yet another shonky mechanic. Many Thanks in advance | ||
| David Gore Moderator Username: david_gore Post Number: 4202 Registered: 04-2003 |
Edward, From memory, your car should have the original GM 4 speed Hydramatic automatic transmission - it is my understanding this is the same transmission or similar which was installed on the first automatic Holden model [EK series] in 1961. For this reason, long-time automatic transmission specialists should have had experience with this transmission - the only problem being the subsequent retirement of knowledgeable mechanics. If you can find a local GM post-WW2 classic car enthusiast, they should know or have access to fellow enthusiasts who could refer you to accessible classic GM/GMH automatic transmission specialists. I also suggest you contact the RROCA R-type registrar below who may be able to point you in the direction of known R-type transmission specialists in your area. Registrar: John Harriman Email: sdmkvi@register.rroc.org.au | ||
| Jeff Martin Frequent User Username: jeff_r_1 Post Number: 499 Registered: 07-2018 |
EDIT: David already posted, but I will add it in anyway. I would go back and collect the car, or at least find out what he's been doing with it for that time. My gut tells me it's sitting there and nothing has been done to it. Most times shops work on these things on down time, hence the 8 weeks that has gone by. I can't help you at all with it, I have no experience with an auto transmission, but it's sort of a big job getting it out dealing with the servo unit and all the brake linkages that go along with that. If I was doing it, I could have all that disconnected in less then an hour. If I remember correctly, you don't have a place to work do you ? Any chance you could remove the trans yourself and hand it to them ? Lots of help here to remove it yourself. Removing the floor makes the job so much easier. | ||
| Edward Shoesmith New User Username: younghenri Post Number: 49 Registered: 10-2022 |
Hi David and Jeff Thanks for the replies much appreciated. Thing is they said it took them 3 days to get the transmission out because of having to mark linkages etc. I was told by my normal (honest) mechanic the guy who was too busy he said he would have had the whole thing out in under 5 hours and repaired in a few days. But he is always just too busy though - and I know why because obviously he is a decent person & mechanic! I know the car has a standard but reconfigured GMH 4 speed gearbox which any transmission house would be fully aware of they as common as Holden's Its ok I knew they were ripping me off I just wanted someone else to confirm it.... Ill pay the account then take them to court - honestly mechanics these days are worse than real estate agents and used car sales people. Its all about ripping people off. | ||
| Jeff Martin Frequent User Username: jeff_r_1 Post Number: 500 Registered: 07-2018 |
3 days to get the trans out for someone inexperienced doesn't seem so bad. He'll be unnecessarily undoing things that he didn't have to, I find even following the manual isn't the most efficient way to get things done in a number of cases. 5 hours is acceptable for someone who knows what he's doing, that's about the time it took me to get my manual out _ that's with the floor in place. | ||
| Bill Vatter Experienced User Username: bill_vatter Post Number: 153 Registered: 09-2004 |
The problem with taking your car to a shop that hasn't done it before is that they are going to be learninh how on the clock with you paying for that. It isn't dishonest, but just the way it is. I tjonk that often it's best to have your car transported to someone who is familiar with the task. You pay for transport but save with less wasted time on the clock while they figure it out. A side benefit is they are less likely to make mistakes. Maybe that's the principal benefit. The original Hydramatic is not like later transmissions. It was first used in US cars. Oldsmobile offered it prewar. Pistwar, Cadillac picked it up. RR contracted with General Motors to build the first ones for RR and then began to build them themselves inder license. The RR-built Hydramatic is the same as Oldsmobile and Cadillac post war, but also not quite the same. Some internal parts are a bit different after RR put their refining touch on the GM design. You need a mechanic who understands that if you wsnt the best chance it will be perfect when finished. "Holden used it circa 1961. Hmmm. maybe but maybe not. By that time the original Hydramatic was no longer being produced for American cars. A new and improved version, similar but different was being put in those cars. Also, GM was by that time producing Hydramatics of different kinds that were less expensive. Holdens are not luxury cars and would not have been fit woth the original or its direst replacement, the dual range hydramatic. | ||
| Jason Watson New User Username: crikeydawn Post Number: 8 Registered: 07-2023 |
Any updates Edward? To be open I don’t even own a car, I’m looking to purchase. I do however think David’s advise is gold. Join a club, there will be specialist within the ranks or clubs knowledge on who to use, who to avoid, DIY, and what’s a fair price. I don’t think it will ever be cheap, but if you got ripped through a clubs contact it would no go well through a clubs info streams. So associated repairs probably do the righting 99% of the time. Also glad to hear the auto is just something out of an old holden, well sort of. That means it not something hugely rear and exotic. I wonder if the box is like the hydromatic in my first car, 64 EH Holden, it sounded like a dying cow. | ||
| ChristopherCarnley Unregistered guest Posted From: 86.164.65.172 |
The Holden 3 speed version of the Hydramatic is a lesser model of the R-R Hydramatic. The latter is much more complex, but more durable and reliable,even if it is more than 80 years old. (Message approved by david_gore) |
