88 Coupe gets a 3.4 (Page 22/57)
josef644 OCT 31, 06:38 PM
This replacing the transmission filter and gasket was a real fun project.

First I used some carb and choke cleaner to remove most of the crud and dirt around the bolt heads.

Loosen all bolts and allow some of the transmission fluid to drain out into a large tall tote or pan. You had better keep a few rags handy underneath as you will need them. I promise you!!!! After you finish with the fluid pan you will see the internals of the 125C.

Use the rags to wipe all of the dripping fluid before you get a mouth full.

When you remove the filter, you will loose about 2/3rd cup of fluid onto your garage floor. I should have had a tote lid or a kitty liter box underneath the transmission to catch the fluid. I didn't know until it was to late.

My pan gasket holes were small enough that I could thread 4 bolts into it to keep the gasket squared up and straight. All bolts torqued to 8 FT lbs. I wait about 10 minuets and check them again. All needed a bit more torque applied.

It got late and I stopped for the evening. Tomorrow I will refill the transmission and go for a test drive .

I discovered that I have a leak on the rear passenger side caliper. Not bad, but it is wet. I will need to replace it soon.

I poured into a gallon jug, about 3 & 1/2 quarts of the old transmission fluid. The color of the fluid was about right. You will need 4 quarts to fill it back up.

[This message has been edited by josef644 (edited 10-31-2011).]

josef644 NOV 01, 05:03 PM
I put 4 quarts of fluid in the transmission this afternoon. Before I let the car down I removed the driver side rear wheel and found where my splash guard for the brake rotor was against it . I had a nice constant growl. I also let off of the parking brake a bit. Car rolls easier now. I took a look at the passenger side rear caliper. It is leaking from the little yellow nub in the center of the caliper piston. Time for a repair.

Will try a 20 mile ride tomorrow to see if the fluid leak is gone.

[This message has been edited by josef644 (edited 11-02-2011).]

josef644 NOV 02, 03:43 PM
Took the car for a nice 50 mile trip today. I had a SES light come on about half way. I had my scanner connected, and the MAP sensor was throwing the code. I shut it all down, and found the MAP connector had come loose. I need to get a new connector for it.

Transmission shifted good. I have a dry pan gasket today, but where the two lines go into the transmission for the cooler , I have a fair sized wet spot. I will raise the car up and remove the cross over coolant pipe to try to nail down the leak.

I got my Rodney Dickman speaker grill cloth in today's mail. Also the white 31 tooth speedometer gear. It will be put on the car pretty soon.
josef644 NOV 03, 04:14 PM
Grandchildren will be here tomorrow after work. Won't get much done until next week. The boy is 6, and you have to stay with him or else!!!!!!!

I located a radio wiring diagram for the correct locations of the wiring. I had the radio wire to the power antena connected to the ground circut for some reason. I cut this lead. I will do a test of the battery voltage tomorrow befor going to work to see how much drain happens overnight. I couldn't get the ohm draw part of my gauge to work.

Fixed the meter. I have less than .03 draw with this wire cut. I did have .46 amp draw.

[This message has been edited by josef644 (edited 11-03-2011).]

josef644 NOV 04, 04:53 PM
Battery was still good when I got home from work today. I removed the console to look for my rear speaker wires. Both rears were silent. The little connector was lodged underneath the radio surround. Plugged it into the radio and all is well in Fiero 'radio' land once again.

Removed the speaker grills to add the new Rodney Dickman cloth pieces. I will post a photo after I have them mounted and back in the dash.
mattwa NOV 04, 05:43 PM
Hey Joe, I'm glad you finally got your Fiero going. I'm just curious, but I'm guessing you rather have your current setup compared to the 4.9? I know I'm real happy with it.
josef644 NOV 04, 05:53 PM

quote
Originally posted by mattwa:

Hey Joe, I'm glad you finally got your Fiero going. I'm just curious, but I'm guessing you rather have your current setup compared to the 4.9? I know I'm real happy with it.



The 4.9 was a 'Torque Monster'. Grin factor was quite high. It also used more fuel than the 3.4 does. This one is easier on the pocket book. Grin factor is high here. My 3.4 has a good pull, but it will never be a 4.9. I am quite pleased with the 3.4 though. If I can locate the transmission fluid leak and get it 'dry' I will be using it for a DD to get the engine broken in. About 350 miles right now.
-Joe
josef644 NOV 07, 05:00 PM
Installed the new MAP connector. I also installed the radio, and all the console pieces. Put the Radio surround bezel back in the car. Looks pretty darned good!!!!!! Flash makes it look lighter than it is. 88 Beechwood. Drivers side door jam moulding is correct, and the same color as the dash.

After work tomorrow I am gonna raise the rear and try to find out what the heck is going on with the leaking transmission fluid.

[This message has been edited by josef644 (edited 11-07-2011).]

josef644 NOV 08, 04:25 PM
Got it all raised up and block so it will stay in place. Tomorrow after work I will get off to the side and have the wife hold down the brakes. Once in gear the fluid should move inside the lines. I am thinking that the bottom of the two fluid cooler lines is the source of the fluid loss. The top one is almost dry. The bottom one is soaked.

Temperature is 76, and the humidity high. I am fogging my glasses while was cleaning and looking for the leak.
josef644 NOV 08, 09:10 PM
I am thinking it is coming from here: