Type 3 auto questions

mondshine · Post by **mondshine** » Sat Dec 30, 2006 1:26 pm

Greetings- I have recently purchased a '71 with an auto trans. While the transmission seems to function perfectly, I can see red drips at the openings ot the " bell housing". I intend to replace the torque converter seal and follow Ray's advice re: seal replacement and replace all of the transmission seals at this time. My questions are:
First, who is the best supplier for a gasket/seal kit for this transmission?
Second, I understand the white torque converter seal is the one I want...correct?
Third, the Bentley manual states that a roughed up torque converter bushing will cause seal failure. I'm thinking about just replacing this bushing (if I can get one) to be sure it's good. Any advice on this ?

Thanks, Mondshine

raygreenwood · Post by **raygreenwood** » Tue Jan 02, 2007 5:25 am

Drop into the 411/412 forum. There is an extremely long and complete thread about a rebuild of the 003 gearbox and all the resources used. There is a company I found in Dallas Tx that has most of the parts you need. I can't remember the name but it is in that thread. Ray

mondshine · Post by **mondshine** » Wed Jan 03, 2007 6:45 pm

Thanks Ray, it looks like Makco (bulkpart) is it for the seals. What's the opinion of pulling the engine & trans as a unit? Is this managable for a one man show?
Also, do you have any experience with the torque converter bushing? are they available? Is it a common cause of torque converter seal failure?
Thanks again, Mondshine

raygreenwood · Post by **raygreenwood** » Thu Jan 04, 2007 3:00 pm

The torque converter bushing is like any other seal "race". It must be smooth and rust free. The thing that really causes the most problems with that bushing....is when an owner lets the tranny "hang"...either by the tail bushing with teh weight of the engine impinging on the joint where the bell housing meets the engine....and really leans on it. Or when the tranny is not fully bolted up and teh mainshaft is inserted into teh converter....which is bolted to the crank...and either engine weight or tail cone weight is placed on it. If you can get a new bushing....I would install it. Just peace of mind. If the one you have is really clean...no grooves or rust and measures out to spec...just leave it.

Yes, removing the tranny with the engine is a good thing. Just remember some tips. Its going to be heavy. Make sure that whatever series of moveable floor jacks you use...does not drop the package off and let the tranny tip hard onto the tail cone ....with the engine weight behind it. Thats can be destructive.

For many it is easier to pull the engine while supporting the tranny with blocks and achain by the hanger crossbar. just make sure the pump shafts do not hang.

Be sure if you are sperating it either way...to undo the three torque converter bolts first...to keep from dragging the shafts out of teh tranny. It is things like that that damage teh bushing.

One of the best investments I have made.....is a motorcycle jack, It has a 16" x 12" steel plate with rubber skid surface on a rolling hydraulic trolly. It works great for lowering the entire package up and down with no wobble. I got it at Pep boys in July for $69. It supports 1500 lbs. Great deal for a VW engine lift. Ray