Engine/Transmission (1994 - 1998) '97 Auto transmission Failure, theories please

[mwilson]

My son, Seth has lost the auto in his '97 CTD.



We have towed it to a trusted repair shop in Bangor as I just don't have time to tear into it for at least the next 3 weeks.



What I am curious about is what you all think may have happened to it...



Truck was purchased 2nd hand, had formerly plowed snow and did some towing. Current mileage is 140,000.



Driving up the interstate about 75mph, let off and then stepped back on the go pedal. Heard a bang (we are not sure if it was transmission noise or simply the load coming off of the powertrain) and then nothing.

He coasted it up the on-ramp and off the road.

No noise, no shavings or shinys on the dipstick. Does not appear to be pumping fluid at all, leaning towards pump or T/C failure.



Had him check last night to make sure that the bolts were still in place for flexplate to T/C, they are fine.



He was told that an ATS torque converter and valve body had been installed at some point, he said the converter was definitely aftermarket from what he could see with the inspection cover off.



What do you guys think it might be????



Looks like Dad needs to open up the bank for the boy... ... ... :-laf



Mike.

 

[DRAG DIESEL]

More than likely and input shaft.

 

[FourBarR]

broken input shaft,like drag diesel said.

 

[cerberusiam]

Does park work? If so, input shaft. If not, output shaft. If there is no fluid pumping at the test ports its quite likely the input shaft.

 

[mwilson]

Alan,



It still has park so the broken input shaft most likely applies. :{



He and I are wondering if the T/C can be trusted after such a failure??



Mike.

 

[cerberusiam]

He and I are wondering if the T/C can be trusted after such a failure??

Trusted, no. Used if your in a bind if when the shaft snapped it did not screw up the splines or anything internally, maybe.



The problem is if the TC eats itself it spews metal into the trans cooliong system and trashes the rebuild ASAP. Its not worth the risk for what you can get a good TC for.

 

[mwilson]

Ok, will take that as good advice and plan on including a new one with the rebuild.



Thanks to all for responding, we appreciate it.



It is kinda' sad, the kid does not abuse the truck but you don't know what it went through before him.



Mike.

 

[DRAG DIESEL]

He and I are wondering if the T/C can be trusted after such a failure??

I have broken a few, as long as i found all the pieces to put the shaft back together on the shop floor, i would run the TC... if not, have it rebuilt... not that expensive.