A4LD Governor and Weights

[jhammel85]

I've got a bit of an emergency here since I'm now about to replace some parts (truck apart) and I'm getting cold feet about something...

I've been having an issue with 1-2 shifts in the morning. Last week, I took the governor out and cleaned it out since the valve was stuck. This fixed my issue after the cleaning I did.

Then this morning it started it again. So, I luckily already ordered parts incase this happened again. I bought a new governor and I also bought a 35mm weight (as opposed to the original 30mm) to help with the binding.

My question is, should I really go through and put in a 35mm weight? I know it will help and might even make my shifts a bit sooner. I have no problem with that. However, Do I need to do any other changes? Do bands need adjustment? Can this cause any other issues?

I think I'll be OK and probablly going in the right direction but I need some backup here!!

 

[Chris_1]

We're in the middle of doing the exact same thing to fix the exact same problem. Just got the 35mm Sonnax weight in the mail yesterday. The heavier weight is supposed to really help with the problem (I've heard that they had trouble w/ the 30mm weights when these trucks were new) but another big part of the problem is dirty fluid which contributes to the weight sticking, especially on cooler mornings. Plan to change the fluid, flush the cooler and lines, check for a drain plug on your torque convertor and anything else you can do to get the dirty stuff out and replace it with clean fluid.
Band adjustment is always a good thing (as long as it's done right) but shouldn't stop it from shifting, I don't think. I have also been told that a misadjusted kickdown cable can cause similar problems, but they are usually constant, not just when the trans is cold.
Let us know how that works, I would be interested to hear.

 

[jhammel85]

I definitely will!

I was lucky to see that it's worth doing because the old one was nice and free after I cleaned it up and re installed. It shifted better than it EVER has! A new one should alleviate everything. New fluid is in there but there was definitely at least another quart or two of the old stuff in there since I did not drop the pan or flush the cooler lines. I know it's a bit odd but I didn't want to disturb the trans too much since it's 26 years old with 180k on it! When I top it off after doing this gov swap, I will pretty much have new fluid in it anyway (stay strong clutch packs!).

Upon doing a bit more reading on the weights, It looks like nothing else needs to be adjusted except for MAYBE the kickdown cable coming off of the throttlebody. Anyone know if that needs to be adjusted when you bump up to the 35mm weight??

 

[jhammel85]

Also Chris, I found that when it's cold and you shift past 3500 to make it shift, you're stuck in second gear until the fluid warms up. For me, it's only a quick few seconds.

When I took my old gov out the 1st time, the valve was flush with the Aluminum Gov body. It was gummed up pretty good and had very slight scoring marks on it. all the more reason to replace it.

I hope that helps you or at least matches problems you are having.

 

[jhammel85]

If anyone comes across this, I found out the gov's from Whatever It Takes Trans are actually used......Good to know since their website doesn't say that. It bothers me a bit but then again, I can't really expect there to be "new" ones out there.

Anyway, Looks like I'll be digging into this and I'll see what happens this weekend. I'll update the tread so it can help others with the Governor.

 

[brinker88]

Have you tried changing the vacuum diaphragm? You're describing exactly what my A4LD was doing and the diaphragm was the culprit for me.

 

[jhammel85]

No I haven't but honestly, I thought about it. Cheap enough and easy to do. It'll be next on my list. Who knows how old it is.

The thing is, When I cleaned the Gov the problems went away. This morning, it was actually fine so it's sticky but not completely stuck like it was. I didn't use a Crocus Cloth on it when I took it out since a bit of brake clean broke it loose and it was moving so freely.I just took it completely apart and cleaned it with brake clean and shop towels. A new-to-me- Governor and 35mm weight will hopefully help.

I can't wait to have a second vehicle so I can retire this truck from DD duty. An M5OD would of been swapped in by now.

 

[jhammel85]

new problem. it looks like my new gov is from a 94. its dimensionally the same but the valve and spring is a little different. the landings are the same. part numbers are different on the alum housing its in.

one thing i noticed, the valve on the old one out of my truck goes all the way through the little housing its in when its compressed by the weight. in fact, when i unstuck the valve, it will go all the way down with the weight only. i dont have to push it at all.

the new one does not do this. to me, i think the spring failed on the old one but im unsure.

does anyone know if i will have issues installing a 94 gov inside of an 87 trans?

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[jhammel85]

To help, Here are some pics......I hope someone knows what I should do, I'm pretty nervous. I plan on installing this on Saturday.


Here's the old one out of my trans, the 87. Take note that the valve is still in the housing in this pic, sorry:

Here is my new one, the 94' Governor. See how the spring is almost part of the valve? Thats the only other difference. there is only one groove, just like the one out of my trans.

Here's the assy diagram in my shop manual. It's just like the one I removed from my trans (the 2.3 part has to do with something else)

 

[jhammel85]

No ideas eh?...

Well, See how that spring lays? I think it needs to go on top of the piston. Just like that diagram and all the others I see online...

Tomorrow is the day. The truck is just about apart except for one or two transfercase bolts. It's being supported by the stands and a jack right now.

 

[jhammel85]

Ok so the new gov is in. I decided to install it with the valve spring on top like the diagram. the only difference between the govs was that the newer one had a spring inside of the alum housing. perhaps it came from a trans that someone put a return spring in or a shift kit that includes the spring? either way, i kept it in there and installed it with the 35mm weight. now to button it up and go for a ride. if this doesnt work then i guess the old will go in with the heavier weight. ugh i hope this works. its a process... at least its easy.

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[jhammel85]

took it for a spin.... same as it was. looks like using a later dated gov w a return spring wont work.... back apart it goes. im frustrated.

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[jhammel85]

ok... a franken governor is in there now. i used my old housing but i used the spring and valve from the newer governor since it seemed smoother. the 35mm weight is on there too.

shifting happy and on point. nice and firm. dammit, it had better not jam again! if it does, ill chalk it up to bearing or clutch material in the fluid and get ready to replace or rebuild.

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[Andy D]

I don't know a thing about this transmission. If the trans functions OK after the it was drained , then the amount of clutch dust in the ATF wasn't so much that it was being used to grab. I would drop the pan, and change the filter if it has one. Then you can tighten up the bands a tad. This is something I've only read about. I bet you can find a how to video. I have dropped the pans on ATs and was shocked to see the slime on the bottom. I was very happy to have the AT work better or at least the same after I put it together and added ATF

 

[kimcrwbr1]

The governor is what shifts it under light throttle pressure and the modulator is what delays the shift under medium to heavy throttle. First confirm you have manifold vacuum pressure at the modulator and all the hoses are tight. Under light throttle pressure the governor should shift it around 13 mph. To check the diaphram on the modulator put a vacuum hose on it and suck on it to see if it holds vacuum pressure. Be careful it may send some tranny oil up the tube but if it dont hold a vac the modulator needs replaced.