I'm picking up a used auto trannny and I'm thinking about swapping out the torque converter since they are so problematic think it's worthwhile to get a rebuilt unit. Any advice on source and is it a problem with the harmonics to swap on a new converter?

 

Never heard of the torque converter being an issue.
Rebuilt should be fine.

 

So I picked up a used tranny yesterday and would like opinions whether it's advisable to get a rebuilt converter. Reading around it seems like later year accords and some civics had issues with the converters but I don't see mention of the efs. Any opinions on this? Also will be replacing rear main seal and mounts if needed, any other no brainers I should do? Thanks

 

ive had 3 l4 autos and beat them all to hell. ran honda z atf and none ever flinched even once. all of the l4 have a weird quirk when down shifting around a turn. takes a second to find the gear. its hard to describe, like it is gonna downshift, then realizes its in the right gear. never had a torque converter problem.

 

wait so the slip type feeling i get when i go up around a turn is normal. huh good to know i thought my tranny was slipping haha didnt even think twice about it.

 

So what would be your choice today or would you still shop around to find old stock z for an l4?

 

The honda z fliud is still available. i flushed my civic not more than 4 months ago. then i took it off the road.

 

I think its honda Z-1 technically

 

What's the deal with removing the speedometer cable? I see in the manual the warning not to remove the whole assembly because you may lose the gear but how exactly does the clip dealeo work inside the boot? I really don"t get it. And with the rear mount being right there maneuvering room is small. I'm thinking after I remove the rear mount I'll at least have room, but what exactly do you do to get the cable out of the boot? And how about installation, is there a specific orientation for the tab at the end of the cable? The warning is:
CAUTION: Do not remove the holder because the speedometer gear may fall into the transmission housing.

Otherwise what I did went pretty well. Got the header pipe off, pulled the half shafts and have the car on stands, got everything out of the bay area and disconnected everything except the speedometer cable. For an old car things are in good shape rust wise etc., I was worried about the header pipe but it came off okay. I have an old heat gun I use along with the chemical spray. Access was better than it appeared.

 

The clip under the boot is a fancy U shape.
Both ends of the U clip slide through slots in the tube.
The cable gets inserted into the tube.
The cable has a groove in it that aligns with the slots and the U ends clip into when installed properly.

Rear mount is really easy if you take off the intake manifold.
May of may not be worth your time.
Personally, I would take it off and clean it all up while the transmission is being worked on.

 

So do you remove the boot first and then slide the u-clip out? The boot seems to be really heavy walled. Thanks.

 

The boot should slide up the cable to give you clearance.

 

Has anyone ever replaced a filter on one of these trannys? Is it a difficult job and is it worthwhile? DIY or source for manual. Like I said I bought a used tranny and I'd like to maximize my chances for success before I put it in.