Tranny fluid in the engine
Passenger
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Tranny fluid in the engine
recently aquired a 85 GS. 
Smokes like a dragon esp. when it's cold.
Checked the oil level and found tranny fluid instead of oil!?! Smokes a lot and haven't added any fluid to the oil, (level is overfull) but have added about a quart of tranny fluid a week for a couple of weeks. There is minor dripping from under the car, but not enough to make up for the amount I am putting in. When the tranny level gets low, it slips esp in low gears.
I have read about a "vacuum" or "shift" modulator that may be at fault, but my chilton's doesn't mention it. Any help or ideas?
1985 GS with a 12A and 4 speed auto tranny (w/ switchable overdrive) AC and Cruise control
Smokes like a dragon esp. when it's cold.
Checked the oil level and found tranny fluid instead of oil!?! Smokes a lot and haven't added any fluid to the oil, (level is overfull) but have added about a quart of tranny fluid a week for a couple of weeks. There is minor dripping from under the car, but not enough to make up for the amount I am putting in. When the tranny level gets low, it slips esp in low gears.
I have read about a "vacuum" or "shift" modulator that may be at fault, but my chilton's doesn't mention it. Any help or ideas?
1985 GS with a 12A and 4 speed auto tranny (w/ switchable overdrive) AC and Cruise control
Junior Member
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 11
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From: Tracy, Ca
I had the same problem with my 84 GSL, it smoked badly and went thru lots of tranny fluid. It was the modulator valve that located on the left side of the tranny. You can get one from mazdatrix. The only differance from my problem was that I never show any signs of a leak. The tranny fluid was being sucked thru the engine and being burned. Don't expect to find it in the haynes manuel, that book is useless for auto tranny problems as it tells you to take it to the dealer. Good luck.
Passenger
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Thanks Alvin 
Do I need to remove the tranny to get to this thing or is it 'easily' accessible? Would you mind outlining the process you went through?
Is the part from mazdatrix you mentioned?
19-8230-BT07.....TRANS VAC MODULATOR...79-88 AUTOMATIC........$ 45.71
(sorry, search of Mazdatrix full pricelist for "modulator valve" turned up empty...of course I could be blind, wouldn't be the first time)
Do I need to remove the tranny to get to this thing or is it 'easily' accessible? Would you mind outlining the process you went through?
Is the part from mazdatrix you mentioned?
19-8230-BT07.....TRANS VAC MODULATOR...79-88 AUTOMATIC........$ 45.71
(sorry, search of Mazdatrix full pricelist for "modulator valve" turned up empty...of course I could be blind, wouldn't be the first time)
Junior Member
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 11
Likes: 0
From: Tracy, Ca
Hi ChiefHighwater,
The actual name is a vacuum diaphragm (according to the rx7 work shop manual). The R&R procedure is on page 7B-16. If you don't have a manual (I got mine thru E-bay), the valve is on the left side of the tranny, you don't need to drop it to get to the modulator. You will need to take out some of the tranny fluid as you will get a little wet when you remove it. If you're already low on fluid, you have it made. You will have to jack up the car unless you are very very thin. Before you call mazdatrix, you might try calling a few auto parts places.
You might want to invest in a shop manual, while it may not be the best, it does have a lot of useful info on the auto tranny, with lots of t/s. Have a nice day
Alvin
The actual name is a vacuum diaphragm (according to the rx7 work shop manual). The R&R procedure is on page 7B-16. If you don't have a manual (I got mine thru E-bay), the valve is on the left side of the tranny, you don't need to drop it to get to the modulator. You will need to take out some of the tranny fluid as you will get a little wet when you remove it. If you're already low on fluid, you have it made. You will have to jack up the car unless you are very very thin. Before you call mazdatrix, you might try calling a few auto parts places.
You might want to invest in a shop manual, while it may not be the best, it does have a lot of useful info on the auto tranny, with lots of t/s. Have a nice day
Alvin
Passenger
Posts: n/a
Well, I got one (transmission modulator) for $19 from my local parts store (even had one in stock!). Slapped that puppy in there, drained the tranny fluid from the motor and put oil in, and TADA...NO SMOKE thanks a lot for the help. If anyone else has this trouble, the part is located about 1/3 to 1/2 way back on the car. It screws directly into the driver's side of the tranny. And, yes, be ready to get a little wet.
Also recommend replacing oil filter and spark plugs while you're at it.
Thanks again 8-]
thanks a lot for the help. If anyone else has this trouble, the part is located about 1/3 to 1/2 way back on the car. It screws directly into the driver's side of the tranny. And, yes, be ready to get a little wet. Also recommend replacing oil filter and spark plugs while you're at it.
Thanks again 8-]
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