FLCV Mod (Flman check valve mod)
Many CRD owners are plagued with air in the automatic transmission lines at start up, this causes many problems, slow initial engagement, and even a binding situation that causes stalling when switching from reverse to drive. Others on this forum have stated in was the valve in the front pump and a poor casting, and you either need a new front pump, or a repair kit, doing this requires removal and tear down of the transmission, but does it work? Or does the new spin on filter installed during the tear down give the illusion that this did work?
I came to the conclusion that ever since I did a filter change this problem started for me, I even blew into the spin on filter to insure it had a check valve, it did but it must not be very reliable. So do you pull the pan and repeatedly change filters and hope you get lucky, or do you make a permanent repair?
Here are the parts:
http://www.grainger.com/Grainger/APOLLO ... Pid=searchhttp://www.grainger.com/Grainger/PARKER ... Pid=search So order the check valve and 2 compression fittings, use Teflon tape or a suitable thread sealant then tighten the fittings into the check valve. Go under the Jeep and cut out enough tubing from the lower transmission return line and install on the line, you can locate it any where you want, just be sure the flow direction to the check valve is correct. Fluid loss is minimal, you will only need to replace about 1/3 of a quart of fluid.
Here it is on the line, but not secured.
Here it is secured, I slit a piece of 3/8" vinyl tubing and put it on the top line, then tied the two lines together with a nylon tie, this prevents metal to metal from rubbing together, and stops vibration.
I have put 500 highway miles on my mod with no adverse effects and more confidence when I put it in gear.