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How to Recognize a bad stall convertor?

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Old May 2, 2009 | 04:45 PM
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Default How to Recognize a bad stall convertor?

I have a 3200 stall convertor that i've on my daily driver for about 3 years,
and need to know the symtomps of a bad stall?
thanks
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Old May 2, 2009 | 05:20 PM
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Here are 3 of the top failures in a converter that are hard to diagnose. There is also the obvious of splines stripping, but that means no movement.

Lock up clutch - When it fails it will either slip, chatter or stop working. When the clutch goes it will usually set a code, but not always. This is a costly failure because the debris will contaminate your trans. If it goes on for to long it could overheat the transmission resulting in a costly overhaul. This is the most common in the 4L60E. A lot of builders will use an inferior clutch/front that will cost the car owner in the long run.

Stator One Way Clutch - When this fails the converter will loose it torque multiplication. Sometimes it will only slip while under a load like when you are launching your car. So the 60's and reaction time will suffer, but it might not slip all the time.

Blade failure - this will kill efficiency and MPG while not locked up. Might not put off metal. I have seen blades ripped and bent over, but never actually come off. Meaning the pan will be spotless. Typically only seen in high HP applications.

Hope this helps some.

Chris
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Old May 4, 2009 | 07:02 AM
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Chris stated this well!!! And he has an expensive balancer TOOO!!!

Greg
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Old May 4, 2009 | 12:21 PM
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Well I guess it was my new tranny going bad cause as I was a couple Of blocks from work this morning at the light the car slipped into neutral it wouldn't go anymore.
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Old May 5, 2009 | 08:56 AM
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did you check the fluid levels?
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Old May 5, 2009 | 10:59 AM
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Good idea with the fluid level, it might just be that simple.

It could still be the converter clutch coming apart. The debris get into the trans and can stop the filter up, meaning no fluid pressure - no movement.

Chris
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