NV3550 Fluid Question

[ChrisC74]

My NV3550 trans has had slight issues shifting into second gear from first since it was installed. Down shifts into second fine from third.

Usually a pause or double clutch and it shifts smoothly.

UNLESS - I drive the bronco for at least 30 minutes. Then is shifts smooth as silk.

I have tried the factory trans fluid and now the Royal Purple compatible trans fluid. Slightly better cold with the RP.

I have seen different quantities of fluid required for this transmission.

I am wondering if the fluid is expanding when warm and if I added over the recommended amount can I do any damage or does it just release the overfilled amount onto the floor or road without causing damage to the transmission?

Thoughts?

 

[blazinchuck]

i only use the fluid from dodge that was recommended...it wasnt cheap...almost $20/qt about 4 qts or less. but never had a shift problem. i would drain it, and swap soon!

 

[DirtDonk]

But he said he tried that first and it still had the issue I think.

I don't know all about the transmission's design, but I would not think that a slight overfilling would damage anything. Filling it way over the spec might make it hard to work with, but the little that most people report putting in (half a quart is it?) seems to make it quieter slightly, but don't remember hearing that it has effected shifting.

I've heard too that some have had similar issues with the shifting, so not sure if it's a fluid issue or something else. Also don't remember anyone saying they had it when cold, but it went away when warm.
Is it possible that the clutch is dragging even slightly? Not enough to make it truly hard to shift, but enough to cause a particularly sensitive shift to balk? Figure you checked that, but maybe if the pedal is close enough to the floor it might be hard to verify. Especially with some firewall flex thrown in for good measure.

That's good to know about the RP fluid having a slightly improved feel at least.

I wouldn't think that it would puke any out unless you really over-filled it, but I don't know the actual case capacity, so can't comment on just how much that would take. Seems like the fill hole is way down low though, so it would follow that it would take a ton to get it to puke unless it's getting flung up near the breather.

Never noted the inconsistent specs, but that wouldn't surprise me these days.
Seems like no matter what's printed though, when it comes out the fill hole, it's done. No matter what the actual amount.

I know these can be finicky little buggers, but it seems like they should be able to take a little bit without causing trouble.

good luck. Posted mainly subscribe to hear what others say about it.

Paul

 

[jmangi62]

When I installed mine I bought the adapter kit and it came with 2qts of Mopar manual trans fluid,so far no problems with shifting or leaking,I'm almost ready to drive the thing daily as I'm finishing up the build,but so far so good (knock on wood).I have heard that these trans can be a bit finicky when filled with other fluids,try the Mopar stuff you may have better results,good luck

 

[blubuckaroo]

When I installed mine I bought the adapter kit and it came with 2qts of Mopar manual trans fluid,so far no problems with shifting or leaking,I'm almost ready to drive the thing daily as I'm finishing up the build,but so far so good (knock on wood).I have heard that these trans can be a bit finicky when filled with other fluids,try the Mopar stuff you may have better results,good luck

Mine came with two quarts too. That didn't even come close to filling it. I ended up buying an additional quart from the Chrysler dealer. Someone commented here that overfilling was even recommended for better oiling because the NV3550 in a Bronco, is tilted back more than when in a Jeep. I overfilled mine thru the shifter tower and have had no issues.

 

[blubuckaroo]

My NV3550 trans has had slight issues shifting into second gear from first since it was installed. Down shifts into second fine from third.

Usually a pause or double clutch and it shifts smoothly.

UNLESS - I drive the bronco for at least 30 minutes. Then is shifts smooth as silk.

I have tried the factory trans fluid and now the Royal Purple compatible trans fluid. Slightly better cold with the RP.

I have seen different quantities of fluid required for this transmission.

I am wondering if the fluid is expanding when warm and if I added over the recommended amount can I do any damage or does it just release the overfilled amount onto the floor or road without causing damage to the transmission?

Thoughts?

I'd check the clutch adjustment.
When I installed mine, it was difficult to get enough clutch travel to completely disengage the clutch and have enough free-play for the throw-out bearing too.
I had to back off the pedal bump stop to get enough travel.
Now, the clutch pedal is higher than the brake pedal.
That really messes with my OCD personality.%)

 

[ChrisC74]

When I installed mine I bought the adapter kit and it came with 2qts of Mopar manual trans fluid,so far no problems with shifting or leaking,I'm almost ready to drive the thing daily as I'm finishing up the build,but so far so good (knock on wood).I have heard that these trans can be a bit finicky when filled with other fluids,try the Mopar stuff you may have better results,good luck

Thanks, I have tried two cycles of the Dodge / Mopar fluid. I am now on my third filling and it is the Royal Purple. I have read as many Internet posts on the various fluids and understand the go to fluid is factory but for me it did not do very well.

 

[ChrisC74]

I'd check the clutch adjustment.
When I installed mine, it was difficult to get enough clutch travel to completely disengage the clutch and have enough free-play for the throw-out bearing too.
I had to back off the pedal bump stop to get enough travel.
Now, the clutch pedal is higher than the brake pedal.
That really messes with my OCD personality.%)

I will play with the clutch adjustment again this weekend. My clutch is currently higher than the brake but I will see if I have any more adjustment. Just curious how it gets much better when warmed up...

 

[Dbteak]

I started with the Mopar fluid. It was a new transmission so I changed it at about 1500 miles. I also got 2 quarts with the swap but added another quart. I then added the Valvoline fluid 3 quarts. Both fluids it shifted fine. I have since had my transmission out for a throwout bearing and changed to Penzoil 3 quarts and now it is starting to not wanting to go into 1st or 2nd while at a stop. I have to have the clutch in for 5 seconds before it goes in easily. I have over 20000 miles on the transmission. I think next time I service it I will try the Valvoline again and see if it improves the shifting. I have also read that Amsoil works in the transmission. I have had not oil puke out the vent using 3 quarts.

 

[ChrisC74]

I started with the Mopar fluid. It was a new transmission so I changed it at about 1500 miles. I also got 2 quarts with the swap but added another quart. I then added the Valvoline fluid 3 quarts. Both fluids it shifted fine. I have since had my transmission out for a throwout bearing and changed to Penzoil 3 quarts and now it is starting to not wanting to go into 1st or 2nd while at a stop. I have to have the clutch in for 5 seconds before it goes in easily. I have over 20000 miles on the transmission. I think next time I service it I will try the Valvoline again and see if it improves the shifting. I have also read that Amsoil works in the transmission. I have had not oil puke out the vent using 3 quarts.

Thanks - I will add the balance of the last quart and see where it gets me...

 

[blubuckaroo]

ChrisC74,
What's the history of this tranny.
New, used, rebuilt?

 

[ChrisC74]

ChrisC74,
What's the history of this tranny.
New, used, rebuilt?

I picked it up from another CB member. He had purchased it as "new / upgraded / dyno tested. He had fitted it but never ran it and then it sat in his garage for a couple of years. Supposedly it had the upgraded parts to fix the known issues with the synchros...

But I did not by it straight from the original seller so I am just going by what I was told...

Hindsight is 20/20 - if it turns out it is the trans, I sure did not save enough buying it used if it turns out I have to fix it...

 

[blubuckaroo]

I picked it up from another CB member. He had purchased it as "new / upgraded / dyno tested. He had fitted it but never ran it and then it sat in his garage for a couple of years. Supposedly it had the upgraded parts to fix the known issues with the synchros...

But I did not by it straight from the original seller so I am just going by what I was told...

Hindsight is 20/20 - if it turns out it is the trans, I sure did not save enough buying it used if it turns out I have to fix it...

I wish there was a way to track the failures of these trannys.
Frankly, I'm a bit suspicious of these places that claim to upgrade new trannys. Where are they getting the trannys to upgrade. Are they factory seconds or warranty returns? Otherwise, why would anyone take apart a new tranny?
Like I said before, these trannys seem to be sensitive to clutch adjustment. Fingers crossed!

 

[ChrisC74]

I wish there was a way to track the failures of these trannys.
Frankly, I'm a bit suspicious of these places that claim to upgrade new trannys. Where are they getting the trannys to upgrade. Are they factory seconds or warranty returns? Otherwise, why would anyone take apart a new tranny?
Like I said before, these trannys seem to be sensitive to clutch adjustment. Fingers crossed!

Thx. I will try adjusting again. If that does not do it I will get some help. My problem is my help is all over 30 minutes away so it will be warmed up when I get there.... I will add to the thread as I trouble shoot. Maybe it will help someone else.

 

[ChrisC74]

Thanks Don - kind of hoping you would chime in since you have had your hands in at least several NV3350's and have made some of your own custom parts for them.

I have been called a lot of things but never lazy - I have spent tens of hours searching for information on this trans and I usually do before I post.

Though I did not buy this trans from the original seller it was sold to me as "new". It was bought from these folks in 2010 when they still had new and not rebuilt units...

http://www.smartpartsauto.com/manual_transmission_nv3550_jeep.html

All that being said - did you have any thought why the shifter problem goes completely away when the truck has been run for at least 30 minutes?

Also, on the topic of how much fluid - I think the official amount is 2.41 quarts. Makes me wonder why all of the conversion kits come with only two quarts.

Then in this post from 2011 you yourself stated you might even put in an extra one or two quarts of fluid - so in essence 3.41 to 4.41 quarts??? Have you done this? Did it work for you??

http://classicbroncos.com/forums/showthread.php?t=193922&highlight=nv3550+fluid

 

[DirtDonk]

...Just curious how it gets much better when warmed up...

This is what made me think of the clutch in the first place. While they're pretty stable with heat for a reason, that doesn't mean that one that's right on the edge of dragging could not change a few thousandths with heat.

But then, fluid characteristics change with heat too, as do tolerances within a mechanical device with so many moving parts I would think.
So there's that...

Paul

 

[ChrisC74]

Thx Don. I am going to add the balance of the quart of RP. I am also going to have someone better than me adjust the clutch when his new garage is finished and open for business... if none of that works I will drain and try your fluid. If this pieces is really new I don't think it is anything worn as it has done it from day one...

 

[John Marinan]

I just received an email from RSGear. The NV4500 ,NV3550, and the AX15 are all on sale. In the description of the 3550 it says 30 weight non foaming oil is acceptable and will not void any warranties. I would give them a call about your transmission, they are friendly and they are experts IMHO.

 

[ChrisC74]

I just received an email from RSGear. The NV4500 ,NV3550, and the AX15 are all on sale. In the description of the 3550 it says 30 weight non foaming oil is acceptable and will not void any warranties. I would give them a call about your transmission, they are friendly and they are experts IMHO.

Thx John. Will do.

 

[Brewbro21]

What did you find with your tranny?

Mine has began to start shfting hard into first, second, and reverse. I do notice it easier to shift when it ges warm but one can still feel an issue trying to shift.

I'm going to try to adjust my clutch and go from there.