Yesterday I lost almost all drive. Much trans slipping, unpredictable change ups, very high revs (not always though) and ultimately no drive unless I stopped, turned off and reatarted. Even then I could only limp along for a couple of minutes until I lost all drive again. Dropped the trans pan today and it looks like I've got a significant amount of engine oil in there!! The fluid is jet black. Can it really be engine oil contamination, how could that happen? I had a look through the bellhousing inspection plate and all looks good and dry in there. Has anyone experienced anything like this before? Could somthing else lead to black fluid?

Yours confused

Mick

PS its a 98 4.3 Auto 4WD

 

No whats happened is the clutch plates are now in your fluid .

 

I second that, sounds like it's time for a rebuild or replacement.

 

130k miles, fluid change 30k ago, pampered car, unbelievable. Any recommendations for a recon at a reasonable price?

 

You have a few options ranging from cheap to expencive. There are variations in those depending on how much work you want to do yourself.

1) Find a used transmission that is known to work.
2) Rebuild the transmission yourself.
3) Buy a rebuilt or have yours rebuilt.

Either way the more you attempt to drive, the more damage that will be done.

 

I will have a look locally (Dayton OH) but does anyone have any recommendations for a recon supplier? Also any tricks or cathes I should know about to speed the removal and install?