Hello All, I've just gotten a 1989 Volvo 745 gl cheap with 283000 miles, motor is great but i am doubting the longevity of the the trans. It is a AW70L with brown ATF fluid, it behaves properly now but i want to get another trans to have on standby for when it fails. I was wondering if an AW71L would be a good choice as i read that they are a little bit tougher than the aw70L. I am not a hot rodder, i drive like a grandpa and like an extra margin of durability.
and if it is a drop in replacement all the better.
Thanks Mike

 

US model turbos that got the AW71 never got the 'L (lockup torque converter) version, so if you're here in the states, I doubt you'll find a AW71L, just the AW71.

I'd flush and change your ATF with quality Dex/Merc and not worry about it unless there's other symptoms.

 

Hi Pierce
It just so happens that near me is a AW71L trans for sale without a torque converter for $275. i had him take a pic of the Aisin plate and confirmed it is a aw71L. I'm going to do a fluid change this week, I would like to have a standby just for peace of mind.
Thanks Mike

 

the "L" feature is IN the torque converter as far as I know.

another factor, pre-1989 transmissions won't have the notch for the 1989+ LH2.4 crank position sensor. I've heard you can dremel this but thats hearsay.

 

ah! i found out that this transmission is from a 1990 940 non turbo would there be any other issues in putting it into a 89 740 wagon non turbo?

 

should be a direct bolt-up then.

do you know this transmission is in better shape than the one you have ?

 

Sellar said it came from a wrecked 1990 940 with 153000 miles luckily i could go and inspect it before i buy it, check the oil etc and he would give a 30 day warrantee. i guessed i would take it to a local transmission shop and have them dynamically test it.
Mike

 

[QUOTE=volvo745newbie;409180]Sellar said it came from a wrecked 1990 940 with 153000 miles luckily i could go and inspect it before i buy it, check the oil etc and he would give a 30 day warrantee. i guessed i would take it to a local transmission shop and have them dynamically test it.
Mike[/QUOTFYI I have a 89 740 GL with 349,000 miles on it and the transmission is great. I change/flush the fluid every 50K miles and have never had a problem other then replacing the rear seal and the OD solenoid. Considering you won't be putting in the other used transmission until yours goes (I doubt it will) how can you use the 30 day warranty. I'd pass and take the money and my bride out to dinner.

 

Besides that it's an auto, the AW70 is solid. Unless you have real cause to fear for you old one, you may want to spend you money on something that's failing, or a manual swap. The only problem I hear about with the AW70 is after you turbo the engine. Then it dies.

 

indeed, as long as you change the ATF every couple years, and don't do full throttle brake-pop launches, the aw70 will last nearly forever. if you really badly neglect it, it will STILL last 250k or more miles. ok, I have no data on how long it would last if you regularlly did brake popping launches. hah.

 

Hello the transmission currently in my car is a aw70L with the lockup converter, the trans fluid is brown with a slight whiff of burnt smell and everything i have read on this subject is that it is on it's way out. if not today then in the few months from now. I can't do manual trans anymore. i thought it would nice to have a standby if/when it goes out. and only have to deal without a car for a day or so as opposed to a week or more while i wait to get a trans from a JY. the AW71L just seems like a upgrade from what i've read. Am i wrong?
Mike
PS I thought the lockup converter gets slightly better fuel milage, that why i want one, remember i drive like a grandpa and have 0 interest in performance etc, "my last car had a top speed of 65mph and was content

 

um, brown slightly burned fluid just means its due for a flush and refill, thats all.

I've pulled tranny fluid out of our OWN 240 that was nearly black, because we'd neglect it for too long.

now, if you drop the pan and find a bunch of metal chunks, then yeah, its gonna need replacing sooner rathre than later. or if it starts slipping on acceleration and the shifts become sloppy.

 

Hi again Pierce! i will take your advice to heart, and i must say i am lusting for your 92 wagon i saw on your post on a different thread. It is a beaut! My 89 wagon is white with the old style sealed beam headlights. but i like blue with the euro style lights and grill!
Mike