Automatic transmission overhaul success story

[eddie]

Hi all, just thought I would share my recent adventure with my 1992 Japanese spec mini auto. Bought this vehicle last year as a project for my son and I, no rust, no indicators, "clunky" shifting at the time of purchase. I started with replacing heater cable, sender unit, air and coolant temp sensors, fusebox, hazard switch etc , all this while the transmission behaviour was getting progressively worse. I finally took the plunge and hauled out the engine with the goal to overhaul the transmission.

After degreasing and cleaning, spoke to Martin Altria at KMS precision engineering and secured a plan for a master overhaul kit. Martin was quite busy with COVID related duties in the UK but still managed to send me the bits once things settled down. While I waited I replaced the tires and shocks + cones ( red spot ) and put in new adjustable trumpets. The short story is that the job revealed 4 of 6 clutch plates kaput and all 3 brake bands with very worn linings. We serviced, cleaned, replaced all seals, o-rings etc etc.

We took the engine out in March and started up the little guy this past week with a newly painted red engine block. It runs beautifully and shifts like a dream. I had no idea this transmission could be this smooth. I have made a image log of all parts, views of the engine as I went if anyone wants an image not routinely available.

I want to point out that this is my first attempt ever at removing an engine and all the credit goes to Martin for his very comprehensive knowledge and infinite patience. His availability for advice and input throughout the project was essential. Thanks Martin!

[jockduck]

Congrats on your success, glad you found things to be easier than first thought, now all you need is for 100,000 miles of use out of it(whats the life of an AP box?)
Jock

[clifford]

CONGRATULATIONS   !

That's brilliant news! Really pleased to hear of your success and would love to see your image log. I fear I may have a similar task ahead of me.

Thanks for sharing. Well done you!

[eddie]

Just let me know if/when you need info or are starting your project. I would be happy to help with pics and/or advice. The process is still very fresh in my memory as you can imagine.

[clifford]

Thanks. I'm still some way off even trying to get mine running at the moment. The engine has been standing empty for some years so I anticipate problems when the time comes.

[den]

Do you have contact details for aKMS
Googled them without success
Dennis

[mra-minis]

Sept 19, 2020 17:07:55 GMT den said:

Do you have contact details for aKMS
Googled them without success
Dennis

Hi yes KM contact is [e-mail]

Also please take a look at my shop :- AP2 World (shop)

[bigcaddy]

I just ordered the tools and parts to refresh mine.   I plan to pull the motor an trans next week.  I've never done work on an automatic before but have rebuilt several manuals.   I may put together a youtube on the process.   

I'll see what I can do.

thanks,
Tom

[mra-minis]

Mar 31, 2022 13:32:26 GMT bigcaddy said:

I just ordered the tools and parts to refresh mine.   I plan to pull the motor an trans next week.  I've never done work on an automatic before but have rebuilt several manuals.   I may put together a youtube on the process.   

I'll see what I can do.

thanks,
Tom

I can be contacted on [e-mail]

Hi Tom,

It was me you were talking with yesterday.

[supastyles]

Aug 10, 2020 14:18:36 GMT eddie said:

I'd appreciate the pics!   It would be very useful if someone could do a step by step process of this task, the best one I've found is for a A2 engine in an 'America' with the older Trans without Park and I assume the smaller internal shaft.

March - Aug seems like a while, is that just because you were doing it when you had time around a busy life or were there specific things that caused the delays?  If you had the parts and time what would you suspect it would take to do it in one chunk of time?  I am interested but intimidated at the same time.  I've looked at the blownout transmission in the Workshop manual and it looks very intense especially compared to the manual.

Thanks

[zaki]

Aug 10, 2020 14:18:36 GMT eddie said:

 I have made a image log of all parts, views of the engine as I went if anyone wants an image not routinely available.

I'd love to see these images as my mechanic will go through this process soon and he's never worked with the Minis (he knows automatics though). Are all the special AP tools crucial for this reconditioning process? I assume that this big set of gaskets, seals and other parts is something that I will need too. Damn... this will be pricy... 🤭

[mra-minis]

Nov 14, 2022 21:56:48 GMT zaki said:

Aug 10, 2020 14:18:36 GMT eddie said:

 I have made a image log of all parts, views of the engine as I went if anyone wants an image not routinely available.

I'd love to see these images as my mechanic will go through this process soon and he's never worked with the Minis (he knows automatics though). Are all the special AP tools crucial for this reconditioning process? I assume that this big set of gaskets, seals and other parts is something that I will need too. Damn... this will be pricy... 🤭

I can be contacted on [e-mail]

It can get pricey yes, VL Churchill are making the special service tools that the majority of people need, and are now increasing the range to cover other areas, the special service tools reduce the risk of damage and or premature failure, I would say they are essential, but others may not