Torque converter or transmission???

Dear All, another problem...

I have a 2000 Disco TD5, Auto gearbox. roughly 105k. I have recently noticed that once I start the vehicle and put it into drive, there is a delay in the power going to the wheels. I put the selector into drive and then push the accelerator and the engine revs but not drive to the wheels straight away, sometimes it does pull away but very slowly. Once it goes, it it fine and does not have an issue...

I have recently noticed that the transfer box input seal is leaking. someone also possibly mentioned that it could be the oil level/ pressure has not built up in the torque convertor. Any idea what it would be?? But it does not happen often, maybe a couple of days in a row once a month? Bizaare..

I'd be appreciative of any ideas?

MudRat

First thing I would do is check the ATF level in the box, sounds like the band piston is not getting enough pressure, or god forbid the band need replaced. I dont know this box at all some auto boxes like the AP series can be adjusted externally but it's a dealer job or a rebuilder may advise
Dev

zf boxes contains no clutch bands ,only clutch packs which are only adjustable using selectable steel plates ,i would change oil and filter ,if oil looks black or has metal sheen then plan on getting it done in the near future if red or light brown ,then okay more than likely and box is in good condition ,there probably is a delay in pressure build up through low oil ,sticky valves ,poor filter etc ,pumps tend to be no problem and ive only had pump issues where someone put t/c on engine and fitted box to that rather than fitting t/c in gearbox then fitting to engine

Ok.... I will do a Oil Change on the box and update after that. Where are the filters on the box then? Excuse my ignorance, not done a oil change for a box before?

filter is on the bottom of valve block held on by 3, 27 torx screws ,youd need to remove sump on box 6 x 6mm bolts 10mm socket ,fill box with approx 4 litrse of new dexron 2 or 3 and fill to level plug hole with box in neutral engine running and first running through all gears till engagement felt ensuring everthing thing is filled with oil ,filter has 2 o rings ensure they dont pop off new filters dont allways come with new o rings no o ring no drive or at least poor

jamesmartin said:

zf boxes contains no clutch bands ,only clutch packs which are only adjustable using selectable steel plates ,i would change oil and filter ,if oil looks black or has metal sheen then plan on getting it done in the near future if red or light brown ,then okay more than likely and box is in good condition ,there probably is a delay in pressure build up through low oil ,sticky valves ,poor filter etc ,pumps tend to be no problem and ive only had pump issues where someone put t/c on engine and fitted box to that rather than fitting t/c in gearbox then fitting to engine

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Dear Mr. Martin, I'm with you on this, coz it's one of the first things you learn as a pprentice about fitment of t/c.

its amazing how many people and even garages fit them wrong and wonder why it has no drive

Last Question... if valves are sticky, what can I do to make them smooth? Or will come with a new oil change and filter etc?

just oil change 4-5 litres as comes out the rest stays in t/c etc

Thanks Jamesmartin, as ever.. I think the advice you give is invaluable!

MudRat

thanks

Well... I was about to do a full fluid service all round, but when I got the thing up, I noticed that the bottom of the Transmission was damp with a small amount of ATF fluid coming off.. It seems to be in between the box and the Transmission... If this is the case, is it likely the transmission input seal is knackered? Or would it be something else? I am a bit edgy about replacing all the fluids when there seems to be a small leak..

Along with this, is is something a home mechanic can do or will it be a garage job? I suppose the good news is that the fluid is of a good colour and not a metallic black! I think I will just top it up in the meantime..

M.R

could be cooler pipes ,one on the passenger side near top ,if inpout seal in box was leaking i would expect it to come out of bellhousing,sandwiched between box and bell housing is pump housing i would expect gaskets to be damp but not dripping,changing seal or the gaskets is not difficult apart from the difficulty in removing and refitting box ,really does need an engine crane to lift it

Yeah, that was the bit I was hoping not to hear. Unfortunately I don't have one of those. I might have to hire one and get some ramp time at a local garage after hours.. Just frustrating. It was completely dry up until a couple of months ago.. It does not drip much, but there is evidence of a drip forming from the bottom of the transfer box and it is certainly ATF fluid. This may explain the problem of the drop in ATF fluid causing an issue with the drive process.

M.R