ATF problem solved, or what?

[rodekyll]

Thanks to all who offered opinions and advice on my fluid drive problem.  I *think* I have it working.

No more scuba bubbles
No more foam
No more pressurizing of radiator
No more instant heating of fluid
Pressure comes up more slowly than I'd like, but begins spinning @~5#
No more burping back all over my fresh paint.
Wheels begin spinning (in the air) as soon as the engine ticks.
Wheels seem to be accelerating along with the engine
Takes about 400Ml more fluid to fill the system now

I have it in my design trim rather than oem.  That is, instead of a tank and cooler I'm running a radiator.

I think the problem was the atf fluid pump o-ring had perished.  I took the timing cover off and inspected everything.  Part of the inspection was to reassemble it.  When I placed the pump half into the cavity in the timing cover it bottomed out.  Hmmmm, says eye, that's not right.  The o-ring should hold it up just a hair and squish as I tighten the bolts. 

I also noticed that the pump shaft was still the PA fix from 2008.  In that adventure I was taken in by an outlaw biker gang who helped me repair the pump by welding the hex shaft into the drive piece.  This was because I'd overhardened the hex shaft and it rounded out the drivepiece.  (note to self -- don't do that again -- it's easier to find a 6mm allen wrench by the side of the road than a Convert ATF pump drivepiece. 

The fun part was that I'd welded it using a drill press for a jig and a gum wrapper stuffed around the hex shaft to center it.  I'd hand-turn the drill press and stuff the gum wrapper in tighter until it looked unwobbly to the I.  Then, with no knowledge of welding, I tacked the bits together and hand-filed until the timing cover fit the engine again.  My intention had been to replace it properly when I got back to AK, but I must have forgotten.

But I digress.  When I refreshed the pump I replaced the o-ring.  Sure enough, it held the pump half proud by about 1mm.  I torqued everything down and the surfaces mated.  Then I reassembled everything, fed it some atf and started it -- the relief was immediate.  It started sucking in more fluid than it ever had -- about 400mL more than before, according to the gradient I was using.  About the time the bubbles stopped completely it didn't want any more fluid, didn't foam, and didn't upchuck.

So everything looks as normal as something nobody ever saw before can look.  Once it cools down and I can tidy it up I'm going to try powering it up and down the driveway.

Thanks again.

[HardAspie]

Air got into the ATF and created Cool Whip! Sounds like you gots it!

[rodekyll]

It only took three weeks.  Here's the workflow:
first week     
second week      
Third week       
tonight 

[fotoguzzi]

So everything looks as normal as something nobody ever saw before can look. 
Thanks again.

I see...  or,

I can visualize that.

[HardAspie]

Gotcha.

I had a similar trouble (symptoms) with power steering of a Ford Aerostar. No  solution there, I think it is overheating pump: pump is at exhaust manifold and behind radiator and with no cool air in the same zip code. They all seem to shudder and freeze the wheel and sing and leak.

Sold it.

[cruzziguzzi]

Great - for want of an o-ring...

Todd.

[HardAspie]

O ring fail blew up the Challenger. Critical little things.

[rodekyll]

Propped up the temporary atf lines, found a place to hang a fuel tank, cleaned out the debris in the carport and put the trike on the ground.  I started it, goosed it, and it lurched!

I powered it forward into the back yard and while standing on the running board (no seat yet) used the shifter and the tandem rear brakes (lever on handlebar) to perform a pretty good "Y" turn.  It was parking lot speeds, but the t/c lockup feels ~right.  Hard to tell because I'm not used to this gear ratio.  But the trike is pointed the other way in the bay. 

I think my invention is going to work.   

[cruzziguzzi]

Propped up the temporary atf lines, found a place to hang a fuel tank, cleaned out the debris in the carport and put the trike on the ground.  I started it, goosed it, and it lurched!

I powered it forward into the back yard and while standing on the running board (no seat yet) used the shifter and the tandem rear brakes (lever on handlebar) to perform a pretty good "Y" turn.  It was parking lot speeds, but the t/c lockup feels ~right.  Hard to tell because I'm not used to this gear ratio.  But the trike is pointed the other way in the bay. 

I think my invention is going to work.   

Todd.

[Aaron D.]

Congratulations!

[rodekyll]

A special thanks to you, Aaron.   

[balvenie]

It sounds like Liftoff

[rodekyll]

More like a rocket test with the vehicle bolted to the earth -- confirming adequate thrust to achieve escape velocity.  I have to get my nerve up to strap a license plate to a bare, unproofed chassis and attempt liftoff . . . maybe with a chase car for a rear bumper.

[Muzz]

 

Great Gnus.

[rodekyll]

Todd.

That's exactly what I said -- and the context -- when after I jumped on the running board and put the shifter into "that way", I adjusted the volume control -- just a no-coaxing nudge*. 


*ran over the weedeater and a hoe -- the garden kind -- avoiding the sides of the Quonset hut before I realized that when you ask for something, Inga is prompt and fulfilling.

[Aaron D.]

A special thanks to you, Aaron.   

If I was any help, I'm very glad.

Someday I'd like to ride a Convert.

[rodekyll]

Chopped a path out to the road and ran it around the block with wires hanging out and no headlight.  Handling is awful, but I don't have any wheel alignment or steering neck preload set yet.  It goes.  Turning radius isn't as bad as I thought it would be.  But the low speed headshake needs to be dealt with.

[Silver Goose]

I am not sure if mom would have approved of your actions.

Good Luck

[Penderic]

Next Chapter. Brakes?   

[mtiberio]

Like the phoenix