I got my call with my estimate and was told the heater hose under the coolant reservoir had pin hole in it, the transmission was fine, the power-plant was undamaged, that was it. They also recommended a cooling system flush, which I had them do. I insisted that I see the problem and be able to examine the van. I know everyone says “I was a mechanic I have to know”, and I heard that stuff too for years as the owner of a transmission shop.
The reality was I was not approving anything until I saw it. Once I got to see the problem and give the area a quick look over, I was happy and approved the repairs. It was nice to see the bottom of my van while it was on a lift. Looks great underneath.
We tend to think of the engine as the only beneficiary of a radiator system that runs at the right temperature, however having a cool transmission meaning a transmission with a stabilized operating temperature, which is a more sensitive piece of equipment than an engine, can be easily damaged by an overheated engine.
Almost 100% of cars and trucks with automatic transmissions have a radiator. Almost 100% of those vehicles use the radiator to cool the transmission. Since the engine and transmission are bolted together, engine heat is transferred to the transmission as well. For all practical purposes, the radiator system cools the transmission and motor at the same time.
I take good care of our vehicles, about a year ago I put in a new radiator, thermostat, all the related components including new radiator hoses and clamps. I even had to take off the intake manifold because the ”freeze plugs” in the back of it were leaking a bit, and I replaced them with brass marine freeze plugs instead of the galvanized steel original freeze plugs.
Even with the best of care, car problems can happen. Anybody bought a new car only to be plagued to death with warranty problems? That stinks, right? So at 120,000 miles, my 11 year old van had to be towed for the first time. No one got hurt, the van was not damaged and we made the best of a bad situation.
We were not on vacation either. This is personal, but my dad is in ICU in a Maryland hospital and we are fortunate enough to be able to go up and see him and help my mom and sister out. I go up alone every 2 or 3 months. This is no vacation dealing with an issue like this, concerning a person you love and helped formulate your life.
To put it in perspective, this van deal was not a big deal, no lives were involved. It is piece of machinery. I like my old cars, truck and van. I don’t do car payments. Everyone of my vehicles is in tip top shape and trust-able to go anywhere, right now. What would I have done if my transmission was damaged?
Easy, call GotTransmissions.com @ 866-320-1182 and bought on of their fully upgraded and transmissions, with the extended nationwide warranty plan, payed the dealer to install it. Use synthetic transmission fluid and ride off feeling very confident with my choice.
