Discussion

The purpose of this bulletin is to emphasize the IMPORTANCE OF PROPERLY FLUSHING AND FLOW TESTING THE TRANSAXLE OIL COOLER SYSTEM FOLLOWING ANY A-604 REPAIR WHICH REQUIRES THE REMOVAL OR REPLACEMENT OF THE TRANSAXLE.

A clogged or restricted transaxle oil cooler system can be the cause of recurring transaxle failures. Restriction of transaxle fluid flow through the oil cooler system can result in overheating of the fluid and reduce lubrication flow to internal rotating parts.

Three types of transaxle oil cooler systems are used; oil to air, oil to engine coolant and a combination oil to air and oil to engine coolant. When flushing a cooler system with a combination of both, it will be necessary to flush each cooler separately. Vehicles equipped with the Bypass valve, installed from Recall 281-T or Technical Service Bulletin 21- 28-89 must have the Bypass valve cleaned separately.

This bulletin should be reviewed with all service personnel performing repairs to the A-604 transaxle.

NOTE: THERE ARE TWO DIFFERENT FLUSHING PROCEDURES FOR VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH THE DIFFERENT TYPE COOLER SYSTEMS. MAKE SURE YOU USE THE PROCEDURE THAT APPLIES TO THE VEHICLE SYSTEM YOU ARE WORKING ON.

UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCES SHOULD COMPRESSED AIR BE SUBSTITUTED FOR THE FLUSHING PROCEDURE OUTLINED BELOW.