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1958 Mk8 auto trans

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Banjo

Banjo

Yoda
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Hi all. I'm popping in up here in the Jag forum.
I'm looking at getting a 58 Mk 8 saloon. It's been off the road for a looooong time. the engine is locked up, but it comes with another engine.
My question is, assuming it was good when parked, what's the likleyhood of the automatic tranny being ok. I plan on replacing the input and output seals while the engine is out, and draining the fluid and installing a new filter and gasket.
But is there a common sticking point or two that I should address now, or just try it.
thanks,
Banjo
 
Over the past thirty plus years , I've drug home a number of MKI's,II's,IX's and X's with Detriot Gear 250 automatics. All performed normally with just a fluid change. The torque converter can also be drained. The worst leak-prone area is the intermediate speed-hold bellows.

The real 'sticking point' in a MKVIII will be the Clayton Dewandre brake servo.

Alan T
 
Kenny, Yea, my siggy need updating. that was just a link to my flicker site.
Exotexs, Yup. BIG ol' saloon! It's gonna be fun.
AlanT. Thanks. If I have a problem I'll look at the bellows first. Do you get to the converter drain through the inspection plate between the engine and trans?
Brake servo huh? Is it anything like the servo on the Healey 3000? I've rebuilt those before. That was quite a learning curve, but I got 'em down now.
I actually was considering putting a modern split system master cylinder/booster on this car as it's going to be drivin a lot.
 
It has been a while , but I remember the torque converter drain being a big plug on the bottom. I think all MKVIII's had the 'first speed start' transmissions which is a good thing. If the tranny is defective , then it could be changed to a GM 700R4. I have converted two MKIX's to the GM trans and though I was skeptical at first , the results were well worth it. IMHO , it completely changed the personality of the car.
The power brake servo on the MKVIII hardly resembles the girling unit. From what I have heard it looks more like a Delco or Kelsey-Hayes unit found in large American sedans.
Updating the master cylinder/servo system sounds like a very good idea. Considering where the cylinders are located , a booster system would be difficult. Let me know what you do.

Alan T
 
Hello Banjo,

To completely drain you would use the drain plug on the pan, as well as the drain plug on the Torque convertor.
Remove the inspection plate and rotate the convertor until the drain is at the bottom. There is also a square headed bolt which you can loosen to accelerate the draining.
When refilling, add 12 US pints, start the engine and let idle for 1 minute in low. While idling, add six more US pints if Type FA fluid to bring the level to Full on the dipstick.
I did this twice over 4000 miles which truly re-invigorated a stale DG250.
The first speed start that has been referenced began with number J.2426. Older second speed start units were very sluggish off the line in modern traffic.

Good luck!
 
I'm havin' FLASHBACKS.... drain the converter... plug?...

"How thoughtful! A *plug*!" I was a gibberin' mess after that car was done. Everything on it was HUGE in comparison to the usual LBC's. I liken it to the Rollies and Bentleys of the period... only SEXY. /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif
 
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