Built Gmax Failure

catmenace

catmenace

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Jul 31, 2010
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I have started a threat regarding Trans Codes I was getting but since then, and after the tranny was removed, we found that there was a catastrophic failure. I am posting it in order to understand what may have occured. This post is not to blame anyone as I well know that anything mechanical can fail. I have had 2 separate trans builds by Mike L and they have been awsome.
I do not abuse my truck, o races, no pulls, just pull my 35 ft fifth wheel every once in a while. This build had less then 15K on it. I was driving without any load and all of a sudden went into 4th and stayed there. No reverse and many codes. At first we though it was a TCM, which I replaced but didn't solve it.
After a local Tranny shop, that does many diesel truck transmissions, what was found to have occured was the snap ring let go for some reason. It took out the inside groove area of the case so the case is toast, also took out the drum, speed sensor, C3's etc. I will post pics on here and any advise would be much appreciated.
Looking back I did hear some very minor pinging click of a metal sound when I would start from a stop. This went on for a least a year. I still don't know if that was related to this. Mike L told me this is very rare but has seen it before.
Any info would be much appreciated.
Since this has happened I have decided to rebuild motor/trans and go for twins.
I don't know how to post pics other then in PDF so excuse me on this.

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catmenace

catmenace

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Jul 31, 2010
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Absolutely nothing to do with the builder, I know that. I just want some input from you folks so I may not have to go through this again. I am installing a built Socal Trippin engine and SDP twins and want to ensure, as much as possible, this type of issue is a one of.
 
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catmenace

catmenace

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Jul 31, 2010
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Evan@LimitlessDiesel said:
The lugs breaking off the case is becoming a little more common lately and is what caused all your damage. It has nothing to do with the builder.
Click to expand...

The lugs that you say broke off. I don't know that much about transmission but all I know is the ring came off, no lugs. The case was fine, just damaged inside where the snap ring was.
 
catmenace

catmenace

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I am hoping to get more info from Mike L this next week as well. Just want somw idea why that clip ring would fail like that.
 
clrussell

clrussell

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Sep 23, 2013
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catmenace said:
I am hoping to get more info from Mike L this next week as well. Just want somw idea why that clip ring would fail like that.
Click to expand...

It wasn't the ring that failed.. The alluminum housing of the allison failed.. Nothing anyone could have done to prevent it.. Shit happens and Id be willing to bet that if you didn't have your trans built this would have happened about this time frame anyway.

I know this thread is supposed to be "informative" but it's lookig like finger pointing.. Just change you'd tone a little bit and maybe Mike will chime in.
 
catmenace

catmenace

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Jul 31, 2010
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I am sorry if you think I am fingerpointing. I have had 2 transmission built with Mike L and never have and never would point any fingers at him. Mike is a standup guy and I respect his expertise. I have already talked to Mike L. about this and he was very helpful so I don't know where you're coming from on this. You already gave me some good advice in that you feel it was a weekness in the case. Someone else said it was the lug bolts.
If I was near to Mike L. I would take it right back to him, no questions asked.
 
clrussell

clrussell

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Sep 23, 2013
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catmenace said:
I am sorry if you think I am fingerpointing. I have had 2 transmission built with Mike L and never have and never would point any fingers at him. Mike is a standup guy and I respect his expertise. I have already talked to Mike L. about this and he was very helpful so I don't know where you're coming from on this. You already gave me some good advice in that you feel it was a weekness in the case. Someone else said it was the lug bolts.
If I was near to Mike L. I would take it right back to him, no questions asked.
Click to expand...

Guess im reading wrong..



There are no "lug bolts" in the allison. The lugs that Evan was talking about are cast into the housing and a groove machined in them for the snap ring..
 
Burn Down

Burn Down

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Sep 14, 2008
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clrussell said:
Guess im reading wrong..



There are no "lug bolts" in the allison. The lugs that Evan was talking about are cast into the housing and a groove machined in them for the snap ring..
Click to expand...

Same... Seemed to me like he was close to putting Mike on blast...

OP, seems to be bad luck.
 
catmenace

catmenace

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Jul 31, 2010
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OK guys, if thats the way you feel when I am just asking for some input and possible information, I will not bother posting, thanks anyways.
 
TheBac

TheBac

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I did not read it as such. Sounds more like a "shit happens" scenario. Sorry to hear, cat.

Think about it: if cat didn't say where he had it built in his first post, the first reply back would've been some snarky remark like, "who built it" or "talk to your builder".
 
IOWA LLY

IOWA LLY

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Feb 23, 2007
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No one is going to read this and think this is Mike's fault. This is certainly something that really can't be attributed to the builder in any way.

I read this as more of a "hey any idea what causes something like this"??? Pretty normal "gear head" type attitude. Simply fixing it isn't enough to satisfy any gear heads curiosity. And last time I checked this was a gear head sort of forum so...........

Not once has this guy blamed Mike. He even went out of his way to say he didn't blame Mike. And that he knew this wasn't his fault. What more do you some of you guys want????

Sent from my SM-N920V using Tapatalk
 
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