E4OD shudder/growl
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Senior User
Joined: Mar 2002
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From: Charter Oak, Iowa
E4OD shudder/growl
I have a 1991 E350 motor home chassis with a 460 and E4OD. The unit has about 60K on it. I am the second owner. On my last weekend trip with it I noticed a shudder in the transmission and also an associated growl. I notice this between 25 and 35 MPH. It is most noticeable when accelerating gradually between the 25 to 35 MPH speeds. If I accelerate very quickly thru this range then I do not notice it. About 3000 miles ago I had a front pump seal go out. The technician said the seal looked almost melted but the transmission seemed to behave OK at that time. The previous owner had towed a car behind this on long trips so the tranny has seen some demanding use. Any ideas of what I could be looking at??
Thanks
Randy
Thanks
Randy
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Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 4,968
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From: So Cal
Sounds like torque shudder. Happens at slow speed acceleration that is light to moderate. This is the torque converter lockup clutch slipping. This build heat which makes seals brittle or I guess in your case melts them.
Sometimes a fluid change fixes it, but I am guess you had a full change when they replaced the seal.
Sometimes, I have read, that it is the MLPS(?) the tranny position sensor.
If it is the converter, you may need a rebuild but definitely a new converter.
Towing is severe duty especially hauling the weight of the motor home too. So the previous owner should have been changing fluid regularly, I think the manual says 12K miles.
Did the mechanic say everything including the fluid looked good? I think it is possible the seal can be replaced without dropping the pan which means he might not have inspected and the tranny working fine may have just been temporary.
If you start to see intermittant harsh shifting, I think that will be the clue you need a new TC and or rebuild.
Good Luck,
Jim Henderson
Sometimes a fluid change fixes it, but I am guess you had a full change when they replaced the seal.
Sometimes, I have read, that it is the MLPS(?) the tranny position sensor.
If it is the converter, you may need a rebuild but definitely a new converter.
Towing is severe duty especially hauling the weight of the motor home too. So the previous owner should have been changing fluid regularly, I think the manual says 12K miles.
Did the mechanic say everything including the fluid looked good? I think it is possible the seal can be replaced without dropping the pan which means he might not have inspected and the tranny working fine may have just been temporary.
If you start to see intermittant harsh shifting, I think that will be the clue you need a new TC and or rebuild.
Good Luck,
Jim Henderson
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Senior User
Joined: Mar 2002
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From: Charter Oak, Iowa
Thanks for the reply Jim. I suspect you are correct in your diagnosis. I took the unit out today for a drive. I could induce the shudder starting no sooner than 25 MPH and only with slight acceleration. When the shudder started I tapped my foot on the brake pedal and the shudder immediately quit. With the past history of an overheated front pump seal I'm afraid that damage has been done. Per other posts on this forum I purchased some Doctor Trannys Shudder Stop. I drove another 6 miles or so but no change so far...the jury is out on this quick fix. I fear the worst.
Randy
Randy
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Joined: Mar 2005
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From: ct
not good my old e 40d did that and i needed a new one after about a week.go to a tranny shop and let them hook up there little computer to read the codes so they can tell you whats wrong.it may run you 50 bucks or so to red the codes.good luck
