Hey guys! I bought my 300zx about a month ago, it's a 1989 2+2 Targa automatic z32. I'll link some pics. It was sold to me very cheap, really clean, even the engine and interior were in great condition. I got it roadworthy'd a week back. Just last night I decided to take it out, I barely drove it, and a loud crunch/friction/breaking noise was coming from underneath the car. I pulled over and let it cool off. It won't go into second gear in Drive, and no reverse. Broken Sun shell? When I bought the car I was given a receipt of the transmission being serviced and inspected December 2015 and was apparently in very good condition. What do you guys think I should do? Thanks!
drop the oil in the box and see what it looks like. If you are not sure what you are doing, take it to a shop.
I wonder if anyone on this forum/group used to own or worked on this car? Are you saying roadworthy certificate, but you haven't registered or driven much? Check fluid levels in Auto and the color and clarity of trans fluid. How many kms have you driven her? If more than a bit, it is unlikely to be fluid levels in transmission, as you would have had a hint of problems. Since you have a very recent receipt from the Auto Service shop, I assume you have contacted them. What did they say?
With what you stated it wont be good,or cheap.Take to shop have inspected,then ask for a quote.Good luck. Nothing money wont fix
you have taken out your overdrive gearset, i would put money on it, any chance your car had a vibration at all ?
The mechanic said, There wasn't enough coolant from the radiator getting to the transmission which caused it to over heat ... I think this is bullsh*t seeing tho he has taken out the transmission to replace the rear main. Their was a slight vibration and shuddering before and after it died. If it is the Transmission I am going to just convert it to manual.
It was roadworthy'd, I registered it and maybe drove 100-150kms in 2 weeks then died. The trans fluid was new and isn't leaking. My mechanic said it was overheating but the lights never came on and I was only into a 20 minute drive with no signs of transmission failure. I was talking to rollin, he thinks it could of just died and a service/inspection can't really see if it's really in good condition or not.
The extent of the damage won't be known until the Transmission is taken in for a rebuild where the cause of problem will be identified. I believe Rollin is spot on saying a service or an external visual inspection won't show anything. I believe a rebuild is worth it. It's a personal choice really. Peter
There is no coolant going to the transmission. Transmission oil goes to the radiator and passes through the bottom of the radiator to cool the oil. Run away from THAT mechanic. There should be plenty of second hand auto transmissions, swap it out would be the cheapest method.
That clears things up. I talked to the guy Auto guy who actually did the testing, this is what he said "The test we have done show that through that oil cooler was only getting 100ml through in 20 sec where it should be 1200 ml in 8 seconds." I had no early signs of failure so I am surprised by that. He said for $4600 I can get a rebuilt transmission 3 year warranty, an aftermarket transmission cooler with install. Worth it?
Talk to Rollin or 90TTZ (forum members) they are up your way and specialise in 300zx's. They should be able to do a more cost effective install, but replacing the transmission yourself would be the cheapest method.
Its probably more then you spent on the car. I would expect to pay $4000 or less for a fully rebuilt transmission with warranty, converter and cooler supplied and install complete. Option is to get a known good used one fitted for less then half of that.
I think it's slightly suspicious that you have been provided with an Inspection Receipt for the ONLY component that has failed catastrophically. I would be asking for a refund!!! IF you really want to keep this car, give the previous owner an opportunity to make a partial refund of portion of the original purchase price(which he will do IF he has any decency)at least that will reduce the financial impact on you. IF he refuses such a request, you will know that you have been "scammed" and you can seek some Legal advice in that regard. Hope it all works out OK for you.:zlove:
That's a ridiculous price. It should be about $2000 absolute MAX. I used to pay $1500 when I had the repair shop. I handled the install and removal. Its the same Auto as a Nissan Patrol....
Don't confuse the punter ffs. $2000 rebuild trans (if you carry in/pick-up trans only) maybe less $800 Converter $800 remove/fit $400 cooler supply/fit $4000 or maybe a bit less. It can be less if no hard parts are required. sprags/housings etc Yes his original quote was very high, but quoting those prices after my explanation looks like less again but it is not, it just confuses the issue. If he could pull and fit a trans I don't think he would be talking about drive in drive out prices. But then we would'nt know how muscular you are tekky, your sooooo strong.
That included a torque converter, which I used to pay $400 changeover for.. Transmission pull and replace, $400 if I got them to do it, Trans fluid synthetic $100, You have to be very aware of the 300zx tax that's applied to the car most places that work on them....
Yeah absolutely, I have been quoted $1500 remove fit for a trans, the prices I quoted were max reasonable and mentioned "or less". You will find guys like yourself that would do good work for a good price but with auto specialist they always want full wack which they are entitled to considering that all warranty comes to them. Now when you get a general mechanic such as yourself to out source the trans and converter build as you did AND pass on some of the wholesale price benefit to the end user the problem is when something goes wrong, who covers what ?, I know you may say you will cover it etc etc but not all mechanics would and after the fact things have a habit of changing not in the favour of the end user. Would definitely recommend the builder remove/fit etc, its a lot of money and you need to be protected, paying a max premium of $800 to get a true warranty is the way to go as well as being served by a trans expert and it probably wont be that much.
