New member, E4OD TC Clutch? ZF5speed? - Diesel Forum

ClassicFordGuy · 09-29-2005, 09:53 PM

Found this site a few weeks ago, it's great, so much info.

So I bought a '94 F250 7.3 litre Turbo diesel 4x4 extended cab a few weeks ago with 113k on it for pretty cheap. The previous owner said he had rebuilt the E4OD finding a broken spring in the valve body and a broken center shaft. He replaced it all with a kit from dayco along with something for greater clutch pressures and a heavy hauler TC. After which he drove it for a few weeks then it started lunging and stalling when placed in gear. It slammed in one time and he thought it broke so he sold it to me.

I had Tripple A tow it home. the next day I hopped in and started it, to my supprise it drove. however it still had a problem, when its warmed up and only then, when placed into reverse 1 or 2 the torque converter seems to lock up and stall the engine or the truck lunges. It does fine in drive but feels like the tc is slippin bad under hard WOT, the tc also makes light scrapping scratching noises when placed into gear. I planned on trying to rebuild it but this is a different problem than I expected.

does anone know what it could be? I would love to just eliminate the E4OD after all Ive heard about it and just go with a ZF5 speed but ive had little luck in my search for one, junk yards want 1600 bucks for rebuilt ones, i would want a used one for cheap.

If anyone knows what could be wrong with the auto or where I could find a cheap ZF5 any info would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,

-Rob

tim94f250 · 09-29-2005, 10:50 PM

Rob,
Recently, my TC was making the scraping noise that you are describing. Though my TC scattered before making the noise. I would suggest that you don't run your engine/trans. until you know what is going on with your trans.
Now, I have a question for you. Were you attached to Bravo Company, 4th Battalion, 1st Brigade during the fall/winter of '80-'81? I've lost touch with so many guys. Your name is fairly common, but I ask because you are near to where I knew him to be from. If it's you, How are you old friend? Tim

Dane Launius · 09-29-2005, 11:04 PM

Your TC lockup could be stuck in the locked position.

aaklingler · 09-29-2005, 11:33 PM

It could be electrical or it could be tc, pump or a seal somewhere inside. You could try and chase down the electrical problem or try changing the pump and/or tc or go for a comeplete rebuild. Does the od switch blink? I had the same problem it finally died and i put a new tranny in.

ClassicFordGuy · 09-30-2005, 10:16 AM

Tim, thanks for the info, I have not been running the truck other than to pull it into the backyard. the torque converter saposedly only had 1000 miles on it so im saprised it could be falling appart though it does sound the same as when the tc in my'69 cougar had prematurely fallen appart. as for the Bravo company, fourth battalion thats not me sorry.

Thanks for the info.

Rob

ClassicFordGuy · 09-30-2005, 10:22 AM

I have heard of unplugging the trans wiring, but i hear the tc lockup is not controlled by that. I have heard of something about the pump leaking or something. the od light is not flashing, the truck will go into od if i drive it. I would like to try to save this trans if possible or put a manual in. this trans for the most part has been rebuilt. how hard is the pump to change? where should I buy one? thats right at the front of the trans right?

Thanks so much for the info

-Rob

Casey_1 · 09-30-2005, 11:39 AM

[ QUOTE ]
I have heard of unplugging the trans wiring, but i hear the tc lockup is not controlled by that.

[/ QUOTE ]
You heard wrong. The torque converter lockup is controlled by the PCM, which talks to the trans and converter through the wiring.

mont91 · 09-30-2005, 11:52 AM

Did the PO rebuild the tranny or a shop. If he did it there is no telling what he did. It sounds to me like a bad rebuild ,due that it started so soon after it was rebuilt. Also if a shop did it there should have been a warrenty. Did he put the heat sheild back on the tranny connecter. If he didn't , the plug could be melted causing shorts. Sure sounds like the torque converter is trying to lock in first. Shift lever position sensor loose maybe? Pinched ar rubbed wiring? VSS? Loose solenoid pack?

ClassicFordGuy · 09-30-2005, 03:45 PM

Well the guy who was a mechanic soposedly rebuilt it with a friend who does transmissions, but still who knows what he did. He sounded very knowledable and I would guess he did the rebuild fine just didnt find the prob that had caused the failure. He had originaly bought the truck with a broken trans(the center shaft was broken) so after he fixed it and the tc clutch started engaging I guess he figured that that was the problem that originaly caused the centershaft to break. then I guess it locked up hard one day and he thought it broke the centershaft again so he sold it. Now that I have it the center shaft cannot be broken or it shouldnt move. but the tc prob is still there. I've read that there is something in the pump that mechanicaly will not allow fluid to flow to the tc lockup unless it leaks or the truck is in 3rd or 4th. the wiring looks fine and the shield is there. linkage seems ok. shift lever possition sensor seems tight and fine.

what is the vss? and what is the solenoid pack? also where are they? Im still new to these trucks and have alot to learn.

ihdieselnut · 09-30-2005, 04:47 PM

put a zf in it . lot less headaches

mont91 · 09-30-2005, 10:23 PM

Sounds to me like they took it apart replaced what was obvious and put it back together with out finding the cause. The VSS is the Vehicle Speed Sensor. On your year of outfit it is on the top front center of the rear axle. The solenoid pack is in the tranny pan and takes the place of the shift rod. These trannys are controled completely by the power train control module(PTCM)or(PCM). The shift lever sensor tells the pcm what you have selected and then the PCM tells the tranny what to by way of the solenoid pack. The only thing the shift lever does physicaly is engage the parking pawl. Can you have the codes pulled? The PCM also gets info from the VSS and FIPL. Depending on several factors you could get a heavy duty rebuild like a Jasper with a good warranty. I personaly would repair the auto. And I did.

ClassicFordGuy · 10-01-2005, 02:29 PM

As far as I know the guy bought a full rebuild, he gave me the book that came with the full rebuild kit, but who knows for sure. The VSS looks to be ok. I had the pan off and most everything seemed fine, the filter had no cracks and seemed to have a good seal. The magnet was covered in metal and its only been 1k miles since the rebuild. Do I need a special tool to pull codes? or can I do it with a volt meter or something? do i need a codebook? would I hook into the PCM somehow to pull codes and where?

Thanks for the info.

exekiel69 · 10-01-2005, 02:37 PM

you can get a zf-5 for a 7.3l on ebay for $1200 aprox rebuilded. I think the guy is from PA.

my 2c.

aaklingler · 10-04-2005, 02:48 PM

You can buy a code reader from walmart or a auto parts store.