1990 Merc Grand Marquis Trany Rebuild?

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SC - 14 Mar 2006 03:56 GMT

I have a 1990 Merc Grand Marquis, really good condition with 141k miles on
it. It's been well maintained, nothing tore up and no rust. Engine seems
solid. I'm trying to figure out if I should have the trany overhauled or
not. The cost is high IMO for an older car, but not as high as a new car.
Is it worth it to do such a major repair on this car with so many (or not)
miles?

Thoughts?
Thank you.

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Tom Adkins - 14 Mar 2006 04:21 GMT

> I have a 1990 Merc Grand Marquis, really good condition with 141k miles on
> it. It's been well maintained, nothing tore up and no rust. Engine seems
[quoted text clipped - 5 lines]
> Thoughts?
> Thank you.

It's not unheard of to get 200K plus miles out of these cars if well maintained. If
the rest of the car is in good shape(steering, suspension, low oil consumption, etc)
then having the trans done is a viable alternative to a car payment.

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Louis M. Brown - 14 Mar 2006 04:54 GMT

>I have a 1990 Merc Grand Marquis, really good condition with 141k miles on
>it. It's been well maintained, nothing tore up and no rust. Engine seems
[quoted text clipped - 5 lines]
>Thoughts?
>Thank you.

Is the trans working good now? You weren't very clear on that. If
the trans is working fine, just be sure to maintain it as usual, and
worry about it when it starts slipping (assuming an automatic, of
course.)
If everything on the car is in good shape, except the trans, and
you're happy with the car, I'd go ahead and have the rebuild done or
purchase a rebuilt unit and have it installed.

-LMB

The reason congressmen try so hard to get re-elected is that they
would hate to have to make a living under the laws they've passed.

Women and cats will do as they please, and men and dogs should relax
and get used to the idea.

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Backyard Mechanic - 14 Mar 2006 16:26 GMT

> I have a 1990 Merc Grand Marquis, really good condition with 141k
> miles on it. It's been well maintained, nothing tore up and no rust.
> Engine seems solid. I'm trying to figure out if I should have the
> trany overhauled or not. The cost is high IMO for an older car, but
> not as high as a new car. Is it worth it to do such a major repair on
> this car with so many (or not) miles?

Ditt-o-o, Tom and Louis:

You dont tell us the indications. Nor the trans service history.

Here's a help.
Assumed: the trans has had periodic fluid/filter changes, and the fluid
is now relatively clear, and little to no 'burnt' smell. "Slippage", if
any, tends to occur when car is at operating temp.
..If the trans is just starting to show 'signs of slippage' and low gear
shifting is good, and you want to get by on the cheap...

Then, after changing fluid and filter:
look at the AT cooler in front of the radiator. If there is none or
just a bent run of tubing, then go to NAPA and get a proper cooler,
install it per direction.. IE the fluid goes through it AFTER it goes
through radiator.

Then add a bottle of Lucas Transmission fix. Most likely you will see
improvement and the trans will last indefinitely, depending on your
driving and what might be causing the problem in the first place.

I've done over 50,000 miles since treating ny Tbird, as above. Many
others have also seen the same.

Alla same you should starting putting a little away, each month, for a
new trans. If you dont need it, convert the fund for a down payment.

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you pay..DEAL with it!

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SC - 15 Mar 2006 04:05 GMT

Thanks all for the input.
I didn't mention that the transmission has chattering (torque converter) and
may be showing signs of slipping, maybe the torque converter is just getting
worse. I had it at a recommended transmission shop a few years ago, they
put the synthetic treatment in along with a new filter and fluid change.
Told me if it starts slipping then bring it in, but don't worry otherwise,
that the synthetic treatment should benefit. I guess I'm at the point now
where I need to take it in or drive it till it needs towed...

Hearing that the mileage can get much higher is encouraging. The care
really seems in great shape. Minimal oil consumption (as much as a new
car). Had some other work done recently too. All in all, it's a champ.

Thanks again.. we'll see how it turns out.

>> I have a 1990 Merc Grand Marquis, really good condition with 141k
>> miles on it. It's been well maintained, nothing tore up and no rust.
[quoted text clipped - 29 lines]
> Alla same you should starting putting a little away, each month, for a
> new trans. If you dont need it, convert the fund for a down payment.

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Backyard Mechanic - 15 Mar 2006 14:57 GMT

> I didn't mention that the transmission has chattering (torque
> converter) and may be showing signs of slipping, maybe the torque
> converter is just getting worse. I had it at a recommended
> transmission shop a few years ago, they put the synthetic treatment in
> along with a new filter and fluid change.

But the question is: WHAT 'synthetic' treatment?!!! Synthetics may
prevent glazing/burning but they wont necessarily restore anything.

Lucas claims to actually 'swell' clutch composites (along with gaskets
and seals); though I can only take their word for that.. as evidenced by
little-no increase in slippage over the 50,000 miles since it was first
experienced.
As you might guess the benefits of any additive is only proven by actual
USE. I can vouch for the Lucas product, having tried other additives
for different applications, I cant vouch for them... nor for Lucas engine
additives... though the Power Steering additive ALSO definitely works for
me, after several others had little or no effect.

What I'm saying is that many here have vouched for the Lucas AT
product...

Also... HEAT is the prime enemy of AT. That's why I recommended the
cooler add-on.

Chattering may be helped -or not- by the additive. Ny previous bird had
a recently rebuilt trans and shuddered on O/D shift from day one through
the 60,000 I drove it.

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SC - 16 Mar 2006 00:52 GMT

Thanks for the input, I'll check on it and see what was used, hopefully I
can find out. Sounds like some good stuff.

>> I didn't mention that the transmission has chattering (torque
>> converter) and may be showing signs of slipping, maybe the torque
[quoted text clipped - 24 lines]
> a recently rebuilt trans and shuddered on O/D shift from day one through
> the 60,000 I drove it.

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