Hi,

I still havent gotten my OD & TCC lock up problem solved. My question is how long would you consider safe to run a 3800 S1 @ no more than 2700 RPM? Consider also that there would be some coasting at lesser RPMs involved. Is a 3 hour trip out of the question?

Based on my experience so far, if the temp is < 50 degrees, then OD & TCC will work, so I might be ok.

Thanks for your advice.
John

I drove my old 440-t4 equipped car with no TCC lockup (but with OD) for well over 1200 miles with no adverse effects, fluid never got a burned look never seemed to effect anything. Didn't even set a SES light. I think you'll be ok. BTW mine ran about 2500 RPM at cruise (65-70 mph) but i had gas miser 2.84 gears.

i commonly run in those rpm ranges for hours on end...that where the rpms gotta be for 80-90

what is 95MPH in RPMs? becuase I have driven across idaho and nevada at that speed without an issue....


but if the TCC is actually failing you may have a larger issue on your hands...Mine has not got to the point of yours but still seems to shudder when it is in low rpm range

The thing is, you are gonna be slipping for that amount of time. Running at 2500 RPM with OD and lockup and 2500 without are two completely different things when it comes to what it does to the tranny.

I don't suppose you get lockup in third?

Mainly, without lockup, you do not want to run around or under the stall speed of the torque converter. I imagine that on a Bonneville, it would be somewhere under 2000 rpms. As long as you're above that, you should be OK to run at that speed. I would think enginewise, the 3800 would be comfortable cruising at 3000 rpms for extended periods, but of course you'll use more gas.

J Wikoff,

Well, OD & TCC lockup depend entirely on the temperature now. If it'* <50 degrees outside, and I go and hop up on the open interstate, I can run all day long in OD & TCC lockup. It'* all fine. Between 50 - 65. it depends on traffic - if I sit a while, things dont work the way they should, and I stay in 3rd, with no lockup. BTW, now that someone mentioned it, I do get the occasional shudder when I am in OD & TCC is locked up - not very often, but it does happen.
And if the outside temps are above 70, then I am only good for about 10-20 miles. Now, it doesnt seem dependent on engine coolant temp, so it must be the trans temp.

Thanks,
John

Your engine should have no problems running at that speed for a long time. I've made 15+ hr. trips at around those rpms with no problems at all. The problem you might run into is your tranny since it is not functioning properly and is slipping, it might overheat due to the slipping. But as long as the torque convertor isn't slipping you should be okay.

Shawn

The temp thing makes me nervous... the first time mine failed, it would be fine till it warmed up, then it would let go completely. You may find that your temp limit will go down further and further. An auxilliary tranny cooler may extend its life.

Who remembers what kinds of electrical problems will prevent the PCM from using OD and lockup? I'd love to see some scan data... where you from?