A/T - ATX Problems and Solutions
Technical Bulletin # 86-11Date: March 1986
Subject: ATX PROBLEMS/SOLUTIONS
Considerable confusion exists as to remedies for numerous ATX complaints.
Since the introduction of the ATX in 1981, many bulletins have been issued for various problems, and some supercede previous ones. Different years have their own problems and a single standardized procedure does not work for all.
The following is a summary of many of the previous bulletins, along with recommendations of tested procedures to best insure an efficient unit after rebuilding. The parts are inexpensive, yet important. It is adviseable to stock them in advance.
1. End clearance must be to a minimum (.005" - .010"). "350" select pump shims work well under the ATX select washer on the pump.
2. Cast iron rings should be used instead of the five "teflon" rings in the unit.
3. The new "short lip" seals in the direct drum provide greater durability. Ford # E5FZ-7C099-A (inner) and # E5FZ-7A548-A (outer). Many kits now have them.
4. The early steel governor drive gear on the differential carrier gives little or no problem. The later plastic gears are a common failure. If there is any looseness of the gear on the differential, it must be replaced. If a new gear fits loose, don't use it. Do not interchange the black gear # E3FZ-17285-B with the neutral colored gear # E1FZ-17285-B. Generally the neutral gear is used on carriers that use "tapered roller" bearings for support, and the black gears are used on "ball" bearing type differential carriers. There have been a few exceptions, so the safest procedure is to replace the gear with the same color. If the early steel gear must be replaced, the neutral gear is designated as the proper replacement.
Caution:
Never use a metal speedometer gear with a plastic drive gear.
5. Governor weight pivot "nails" commonly wear out. Replace them with hardened "nails" of the "400" governor type. Don't use common (soft) hardware nails. Governor gear "rolled" pins will sometimes break internally and appear to be intact, but will allow the gear to turn within the governor shaft, if some force is applied. Any time that the governor gear is "apple cored" (stripped) be sure to replace the drive gear on the differential, also.
6. Valve body torque is critical. Torque once to 45 inch pounds, following the proper sequence (Figure 1). Finish with a second torque of 85 inch pounds in sequence.
7. Check valve body gaskets to see that they don't cover any holes in the plate. DO NOT USE # 2 CHECK BALL IN ANY UNIT and drill hole if required (Fig. 2).
8. Valve body corrections:
1981/1982/1983 (built before 11-8-82)
In the valve bodies, the 1-2 shift TV Modulator valve will have a stem 3/16" long. (Figure 3). Install valve body recalibration kit, available at various sources.
1983 - after 11-8-82
The 1-2 shift TV Modulator Valve will have a 3/4" long stem - (Fig. 3). Use single brown governor spring only, Ford # E43Z-7E467-A Block the 3-2 control valve with a check ball at the bottom of the bore, and leave out the spring. Install stronger spring, or second spring inside original spring on the 2-3 shift TV Modulator Valve to increase tension 1 to 1-1/2 lbs.
1984
Use the single brown governor spring, and block the 3-2 valve as on the 1983 valve body. Install stronger spring, or second spring inside original spring on the 2-3 shift TV Modulator Valve to increase tension 1 to 1-1/2 lbs.
1985
Install stronger spring, or second spring inside original spring on the 2-3 shift TV Modulator Valve to increase tension 1 to 1-1/2 lbs.