Torque Converter - Time to replace

[pixelmonkey380]

Warranty time expired in November.

Still good on mileage, but either doesnt matter due to the 5 years being over.

 

2016 Sierra 2wd

"Shudder" started on the trip home from the last drive.

 

Going to document a few things and list parts replaced, part numbers and photos.

Will do the work myself at home.

 

Torque Converter

Part Number : GM (17804388)

 

O-Ring for Torque Converter Snout

Part Number: SO-23-28, GM-O-9V ???? not sure if correct part number

 

Transmission Filter

Part Number :  GM (24274402)

 

Transmission Pan Gasket

Par Number : GM (24260071)

 

Amsoil ATF

Part Number : ATLQT-EA   *approx. 10 quarts

 

Transmission Thermostat Kit

Part Number : STP-STL010

 

gasket for the transmission oil cooler braket ? *looking into this part now

Part Number : 

 

Exhaust gaskets *3 bolt from header to mid pipe X2

Part Number : 

 

Transmission rear seal *for driveshaft

Part Number : 

 

 

That covers the parts list of items that I know will be required. Updates to the list will happen if I find other MUST DO changes or replacements.

Since the problem started yesterday, driving home for the final 100 miles of the trip, I've parked the truck, and sprayed down bolts with PB Blaster.

Snow called for this week, so it's time to decide part sources, and get things ordered.

 

Updates to come later!

Edited February 23, 2022 by pixelmonkey380
updates to part list

[pokismoki]

get the 2500 torque converter , its same stall but beefier , it has a 6 bolt  pattern, but fits the 3 bolt flywheel, or get the 6 bolt flywheel too.

 

i would pull the pump while ur there and install the sonax regulator upgrade

[pokismoki]

dont forget to get a new o-ring for the pump snout, this is what usually fails and causes all the tcc shudder or no lock up.

 

you'll know its bad when you remove it and its hard as a rock or getting stiff

[It's Tim]

How much glitter is in the fluid?

[movario]

You also need new bolts for the transfer case bolts as they are torque to yield. Also, I would recomment to get a new gasket for the transmission oil cooler braket. The gaskets for the exhaust pipes should be replaced to.

[pixelmonkey380]

On 2/22/2022 at 10:13 AM, pokismoki said:

get the 2500 torque converter , its same stall but beefier , it has a 6 bolt  pattern, but fits the 3 bolt flywheel, or get the 6 bolt flywheel too.

 

i would pull the pump while ur there and install the sonax regulator upgrade

2500 torque converter added to parts list

still looking to update the regulator parts.  *list will be updated later

 

On 2/22/2022 at 10:15 AM, pokismoki said:

dont forget to get a new o-ring for the pump snout, this is what usually fails and causes all the tcc shudder or no lock up.

 

you'll know its bad when you remove it and its hard as a rock or getting stiff

O ring added to parts list, but not sure i have the correct part number

 

 

On 2/22/2022 at 10:26 AM, It's Tim said:

How much glitter is in the fluid?

unknown yet.  havent checked the dip stick. havent pulled transmission.

 

23 hours ago, movario said:

You also need new bolts for the transfer case bolts as they are torque to yield. Also, I would recomment to get a new gasket for the transmission oil cooler braket. The gaskets for the exhaust pipes should be replaced to.

2WD

[pokismoki]

for all the work your doing, see how much a new pump housing cost,  if it's available from GM.

 

When you pull your pump check the pump face, these wear out heavily when glitter is present in the oil.

 

there is also a special pump aglignment tool I believe required for installation

 

YOu might be better off shipping the whole truck to Precision transmission if your not capable to do all the work

Edited February 23, 2022 by pokismoki

[pokismoki]

https://www.facebook.com/CrichPrecisionTransmission/

 

https://www.youtube.com/c/PrecisionTransmission/featured

 

if you have any questions or need parts and part numbers for the 6L80/90  these guys have what you need

Edited February 23, 2022 by pokismoki

[pixelmonkey380]

Warmed up enough for me to check the dipstick and make a quick video

 

popped the hood and checked the transmission fluid first. results are the attached image.

 

after checking, started the truck but didnt have my phone to record video. sounded bad for the first 1.5 seconds when i first started the truck.

 

When shifting from P or N to R or D it sounds similar to the stress of a power steering pump at max turn for the first second. *happens later in the video when i shift a few times*

https://photos.app.goo.gl/4pAFEWfw2VTajshH6

 

The attached image if the dipstick from the transmission

BLUE = first pulling the dipstick after truck was left for almost 1 week. This was after the 100+ mile drive

GREEN = Second pull of the dip stick

 

No noticeable metallic, even when looking at the dipstick after pulling.

 

I'm guessing the Precision transmission you mentioned above is the one from Amarillo, Tx.

 

Tried calling a few times today, Saturday morning, but havent been able to get them on the phone. 

Would be a bit of a trip from Oklahoma City.

 

So here are my concerns.

- If I have a local GM dealer or transmission shop swap it out for a replacement transmission, I'm looking at 100,000 hopeful carefree miles. most are 3 year warranty on a replacement transmission. *some 6 year warranty

- If I swap it out, going to have to have several uninterrupted hours to do the work. *i'm more likely to win the lotto

- have a local shop rebuild, and loads of risk, as likely no warranty.

 

My use and intentions with the truck include

- sit most of the time. i have my commuter fart 

- around 10,000 miles per year *used for weekend trips / hauling things

- dependable

- responds and drives like OEM.  dont want a stall that is some high RPM.

 

Local GM dealer has trucks with the same transmission issue waiting for replacement. service writer has stated +80% that install a new torque converter and flush the system, after having an issue, are back soon with more problems. Recommends to replace transmission.

 

starting to question replacing the parts and hope that no other issues arise.

[pixelmonkey380]

quote to tow the truck from Oklahoma City to Amarillo Texas....  $1,600

 

i've had cars shipped 1/2 across the country for less!

[pixelmonkey380]

talked with Precision Transmission in Amarillo today.

 

arranging shipping and will be sending the truck to them.

[pokismoki]

those are good guys, maybe Trent can give you a  tcu tune as part of the rebuild.  it'll work out for the better , they got more experience than the GM dealer

[rlcole321]

In case nobody mentioned, there's a new updated Trans Cooler thermal valve, 153 degrees instead of 190 degrees.

[pixelmonkey380]

Picked up the truck today! 

 

HAPPY! 

[pixelmonkey380]

making a few additions to the thread.

 

Shipping the truck from OKC to Amarillo was more than I expected, but there is a work-around.

 

AAA Premier Membership! 

200 mile one way free tow!

So I had to cover the final 50 miles to get the truck to Precision 

Final bill to have it towed to their shop.... just under $250

 

After delivery confirmed from AAA driver, I called the shop and paid the deposit. This was to remove and inspect transmission.

 

Was called on a Wednesday afternoon that the truck was ready. All excited, I let the woman know I would make arrangements that coming Saturday, or the next to pay and collect. 

 

Shortly after, the video of the tear down was made available on youtube.

 

I tried calling their shop multiple times on Thursday and Friday but was never able to speak to them. no answer each time.

 

Saturday morning!!! The alarm goes off.

I decided to ride my motorcycle and brave the cold. 34 degrees at 6:20am when leaving the house.

Google says 3.5 hour drive time to get to the shop.

I made it just over 1 hour before my face began to freeze. 

 

With the stops for fuel, and a couple to regain feeling in my face and toes, I pulled up to the shop in Amarillo. It's now 11:48am

 

PANIC! 

The shop is closed, the gates are locked, and I'm 30 ft away from my truck.

Made a few calls and a post on facebook... less than 20 minutes later Richard calls me! 

He arrives and we end of talking for a while and he shows me the "dirty bird" and I pay the remainder, along when getting the info on a pan drop/ transmission fluid change at 3K miles. 

 

Drive the truck back home, and pull into the driveway just after 6pm.

 

Long day and took a bit to warm up, but have driven the truck some and happy that it feels like it should. 

Big thanks to Precision for taking on the problem.

 

Hope to have at least another 100k miles without problem!