As someone owned a 2003 model. My biggest fear was the transmission would go out and I would have junk. I sold that pig off before that happened. What I'm trying to say is the car is junk like Ray said it would take far more money and resources than the vehicle is worth, unfortunately.
I've often slammed the like button 2 seconds in. I have been known to commit the crime of letting it slide a few minutes only cause Ray side tracked me early with fantastic video footage!
Ray is not only an excellent mechanic, he is an excellent teacher. The way he explains things ... to us ... and to his assistants... very professional.
My 2003 Venture did the same thing at 180K miles. It was the shift cable. Thirty minutes later it was back in business. Sucks that this one's transmission died because these were incredibly reliable vehicles. Mine lasted a ridiculously long time with few problems.
Having owned a 2003 venture van at 260000 miles sold it to a son for 1000$ it still going strong . Worth saving 3.4 engine is great. Can't replace its utility for what Trans would cost
That’s what I was thinking - considering the cost of a replacement vehicle these days automatically scrapping an older vehicle because of a transmission or engine problem requires reconstruction now, especially if a replacement unit can be sourced from the wrecking yard. Whether the customer can afford the repair is another issue.
Through you, I've gotten a little side hustle going doing automotive work on the side, after years of doing my own work. It's fun, and between you and my great-uncle I have great role models for not only the best ways to go about many jobs, but also the transparency, honesty, and uprightness that so many shops are lacking. I've stolen a few customers from one particular shop in my city that charges absolutely absurd prices ($200 USD just to try to diagnose a problem - let along fix it! I told that person to not pay that price and i'm doing her valve cover gasket after diagnosing it for a much lower price of zero dollars) and it feels good to be helping others avoid the less-than-honest businesses.
I had a Pontiac Montana and had overheating issues. After removing the heads I found the bank on the firewall had a damaged head gasket. Basically the left cylinder has a coolant hole close to that piston and the material wore out. When the engine was running, it was pumping air into the coolant passages and coming out the overflow. Because the coolant would become low, it would overheat. New head gaskets and it ran like a champ for many more years.
It may be good to install a rebuilt transmission as the 'bones' look good (low/no corrosion in the frame), and if the engine is in good shape (needs a timing belt/chain?). Bonus -> NEW tires!. A tranny is about $3-4K, a new van is 10 Times that, used is about 5 Times.
YUP! I always press the like button BEFORE watching the video because Ray's videos are ALL GREAT! As far as the van goes (apparently it's not going anywhere) I think the owners got their dollar value out of this beast.
Normally I never sign in to YT but since you asked...I added a "LIKE" and I mean it!...a like that is. Now I have to exit my browser (Brave) to clear all cache/history. I'll be back to finish watching once I'm anonymous again.
8.5k views in under 45 minutes.. soon this channel revenue will outweigh the shop lol. Thanks for sharing your knowledge and processes with us all. God Bless ya
🇬🇧hello from afar ! Thanks to you I’ve just plucked up the courage to change the oil, oil filter, fuel filter air filter and spark plug on my sit on lawnmower it’s now running like a dream. Thanks Ray
Mid 90's Holdens with the 4L60-E transmissions would need reconditioning about every 75,000 miles. I knew some people that put 3 or 4 in them over term of ownership.
I know how Ray hates to waste time and nothing is a worse time waster than cleaning metal bits off of a magnet. My tip of the day is to insert the tip of the magnet into the finger of a vinyl glove then drag it across the surface that you suspect may have ferrous contaminants. The magnet on the inside will pick up the metal bits on the outside. Pull the magnet out of the glove and it's still clean.
Wife units are so nice to have. They are great at reminding you of all the things you forgot, (On purpose, but never tell them that. Always say thanks for reminding me.)
Troy needs to stop being so camera shy. I would love to work with you shit that's a blessing in disguise. We love you Troy! We love you to Ray don't worry he can't replace you no matter how good he is LOL. OGs are always going to be the best.
👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍for taking us on a Transmission Venture today. Enjoyed the jump boxing, Venture pushing, featuring Troy Unit & Wife Unit plus Ray. We always enjoy watching you having yourself a great day
In my experience, the Venture/Montana trans generally would start to show wear symptoms around 200-220K (occasionally earlier) but would generally remain mostly functional until about 240-250K. Really harsh upshifts were the usual warnings that it was time to either look for a trans or look at replacing the vehicle.
My 01 silhouette is at 253k and still going. Got an involuntary trans fluid exchange around 170k due to a failed axle seal 🤣🤣 01 and earlier 4t65e’s got a non hardened 4th gear clutch hub and the teeth strip off. Fun fact, the entire ls4 engine cradle from the impala ss is a direct bolt in. Makes a v8 sleeper swap easy 🤣
I just sent my Oldsmobile silhouette to the crusher with 313,000 miles on it tranny it popped the head gasket It was shifting so hard towards the end he would almost spend the tires in first gear, but it was still going through the gears😂
Check out Street Smart Transmission in Florida. That van may have a 4T45E trans. I got one for 1370.00. 3 years ago and it works great still.3 years, unlimited mileage warranty. Just saying. Cheaper than a new vehicle
BTW, Ray, if you would periodically (say at the end of each day) clear the tools accumulated on your bench and rolling tool cart and put them away in their homes as you wipe them clean, the you would be able to find that 10mm socket right away when you need it instead of having to send out search parties or go on a scavenger hunt.
@@michaelpressman7203 Having worked in a dealership's shop and military installation [USAF] (some 40+ years ago) with multiple other mechanics, someone was only allowed to forget where they borrowed a tool one time. After that, it was impressed on them physically to not forget. The resultant contusions and bruises were significant enough that the lesson was never forgotten by the perpetrator nor by any witnessing bystanders.
300K - Oh good, I still have 130K to go. That said every winter I do some kind of re and re on something like bearings, control arms, radiator, etc. Costs me about $500 a year to keep the golden goose going. Pretty cheap for something that can haul anything, be used for driving down logging roads, camping, etc, etc. The 3400 is a work horse, tranny not so much.
Good morning Ray. Glad you are feeling better. These vans last a long time. I had a co worker that has the exact van right down to the color. She had over 200k herself. It’s a pusher. Transmission has gone to a better place. 😔
@@kevincurry4735 it was a British/American joke we spell it colour America spell it color so they are both spelt correctly 😁come man it was a joke not an insult. Forgive me 🙏
How’s that for an algorithm Ray👍👍 You were hoping for 5k of likes currently sitting at 20k. The viewing population continues to grow. Keep up the good work👍
It's been 40+ years since I bent wrenches for a living. I still do not miss working on other people's shit box vehicles. My car is a 2004 Ford Ranger 4x2 with 200k+ miles that still looks and drives like nearly-new. A little maintenance and TLC goes a long way in vehicle longevity. I hate car payments (always have) and have never been able to understand why someone would pay the price for a vehicle and then abuse it or not take care of it.
The pool is called "RaRa Door O' D". The odds keep changing... but wife unit is 36 to 1 she will not be the one... Troy is pretty close to that... so your the favorite to be the one!
This is why servicing trans fluid and filter is so important.Some say dont touch it.This will happen if you dont touch it.I suggest every 50k...my dodge owners manual says to do it at 75k as regular scheduled maintenance.Either wai,its best to do it before it gets bad....not after.
Wait really? I constantly hear mixed things like you said, “Don’t change the fluid or filter if it has never been changed before high mileage”. Good or bad idea to change at around 111,000 miles? It has never been changed before….all original fluid and all, on my personal vehicle.
Love watching your videos every day I'm disabled I have a 03 has 126 has a intake leaking valve covers transmission fluid is black was changed 5 times it's burnt up waiting for it to die hoping it will last till summer the repairs are To expensive
I’m shocked that the van lasted 270k. My mom had an 04 venture & the transmission went out at 188k dispute maintenance on the transmission every 30k miles
My input on Ray wrecking auto or shop :::: gonna part of the 3rd bay like he uses it for repairs not needing a lift or sometime after the lift is setup.
American minivan transaxles are the pits! Limp mode is the transmissions favorite gear. My grand caravan was horrible. Honda front wheel drive transmissions are also prone to failures. Mine let go @65k miles. I owned all these minivans. Install a transmission cooler on your van, and double the life of your transmission. The fuild burns because the trans fluid becomes too hot in all minivans except the Sienna.
My guess is, that trans fluid was never changed, my next guess is, it will cost 4k to fix, my next guess is, the owner might or might not want the van fixed, that concludes my guess......... PS I hit the like button twice just to show how much I enjoy ramblings, and tip for the day is, anything bad happens always blame it on the new guy..........
Reminded me of my demon truck. 1994 ford ranger. Broke college student and was able to scrounge up $1,000 for the most stereotype college car ever after my other one was wrecked. Had 277,000 on the odometer. I didnt need it to last but a year or two. It lasted exactly 41 days. Then the tranny literally blew out while i was driving. Had an emergency credit card and ended up spending $2,000 to rebuild it and it looked exactly like that except it had even bigger chunks. A week after i got it back, the engine atarted having issues and i couldnt fix it. Took it to a Ford specific mechanic and he kept it for 3 months while i bummed rides off of people. Called me one day and said it needed a new engine. $3,600. Even he didnt know what was wrong with it. I ended up just signing the title over to him. As I walked out his assistant asked "Are you ready to be rid of the demon truck?" Then I bought a bike 😂.
I hate when I'm sick enough to feel like shit, but well enough to go crazy doing nothing. It's exceptionally irritating when I know that getting up and doing something, like work, will actually make me feel better. I hate that!
Good morning Mr Ray hope y'all have a great day, 😁 I watched the video on this van, was impressed about the mileage on it. Must have been one heck of a work van
that is what you call i think the owner neglecting to get transmission fluid flushed and changed when it was suppose to and let it go and this is the result
Get a little 4x4 with a push bumper and a tow point on the back. No more slipping in the gravel. Also good for dragging some pos back out of the shop to be hauled away.
Noooooo! I drive the Pontiac version of this same van (2000 Pontiac Montana), given to me by a friend after a tornado crushed my car. Can’t bear to see this one die. Still suffering from the flu myself too (tested negative for COVID-19).
I could use several parts from his van. Visors, lift gate interior pull handle, high-mount rear brake light, rear washer fluid motor, caps for the wiper arms, clips that hold a plastic cover over the wiper transmission, and on and on and on… and that’s after ordering a ton of stuff last week.
Already replaced side view mirrors, grille (used the exact same pre-2001 Chevy Venture grill), thermostat, tstat housing, PCV hose, radiator hoses, headlight housings, marker light housings, window regulator, prop rod retainer, windshield (!), switch bank for locks and windows, fuel pump, various fasteners and trim pieces, turn signal sockets, tail light assembly, etc
Sucks that I'm states away, son has a 1998 venture with 130,000 miles that's been in a wreck with good motor and transmission! Same as that van 3.4 v6.
9:50 if you get a long ratchet strong arm and wheel nut socket then use that to move the van/people carrier by the passenger side wheel nut for forwards and drivers for reverse as if you’re tightening it…. Moves them well easy - i use a ratchet strong arm and socket because flangies and brake callipers don’t mix trying by hand to rotate.
Too bad. I’m sure I know how the owner feels. I put new tires on my work beater and got totaled when someone crossed the center line and got me head-on. Even more sadder, I just topped off the gas tank ☹️
It's worth the trial, to install a new filter and reassemble. I've "saved" a few trannies that easily. The filters become so clogged that fluid will not flow. That renders the valve body inert, along with the tranny. Fresh clean filter, suddenly everything comes back online and works for another 100K. When the tranny is truly toasted... If you have fluid in motion, you will usually feel the car try to move when in gear. Might even hear some noises. This thing didn't appear to budge, so that tells me there is no fluid flow. That's why I argue it's worth the gamble on a new filter.
well you got 5X of your 5k ! great video, too bad for the guy’s transmission! it is very bad when you find metal / debris in the filter. there is always something that fails the kills the transport.
I had a 2004 with 100 k on it. It was a mess. Absolute everything broke on that thing. Intake gasket, ignition coils, rear shocks, leak on lines to rear AC, cooling fan, electric door, central locks, headlights misted up and finally the gearbox gave in despite two ATF services. At 100k with full service book. And rust, oh man did that thing rust. That thing rusted quicker than autumn leaves rot in the melting spring snow. Never ever a car from GM again. 😡 But i rode like limousine. The best highway car I ever had. 😊
Mine lasted 149K miles then needed to be rebuilt. Place in downtown Sarasota got it done in less than a week. Wasn't cheap but did the trick. I'll be stopping by your place mid to late summer for a trans fluid flush/replacement and brake fluid replacement. Trans will have about 20K miles on it since rebuild and changing the fluid for me is now a priority.
@@ChrisLincolnHomes If pull the return cooler line you do everything that a flush machine can do without needing one. Flush machines push contaminants from the filter to rest of the transmission if you run it backwards. That’s definitely not good.
@@ChrisLincolnHomes I let ray run his business how he wants to. If you don’t want listen to my advice that’s cool but I’ve been in transmission business for over 10 years and my boss never has needed a flush machine to flush a transmission. Why pay for something you don’t need?
A quick search finds lots of transmissions at reasonable prices. Didn't see any rusty metal underneath, so the owner just might spring for a replacement.
Based on the mileage, experience with this engine and transmission, I would not recommend that the customer throw their money away by fixing this. It's going down a long and sad road of throwing money away. If they choose to proceed, inspect the cylinder walls of the engine first.
@@waterloo123100 That's what we thought when our engine blew up. We replaced with a used engine and it wasn't really any better. We gave the vehicle away after all the nickel and diming.
The 3.4 engine was notorious for intake gasket failure, and the problem spread throughout the GM line where the engine was used. Had the problem on a 2005 Impala with that same engine. Also the transmission was toast at 75,000 miles.
Why did GM not install a magnet to catch some (most) of the ferrous materials? In your opinion when did most auto manufacturers begin installing magnets. I know my 98 Exploder had a factory magnet installed. Please let us know if the owner decides to repair it or scrap it. Thank you Ray!
If you think that fluid is nasty, you should have seen the fluid that came out of the transmission in my wife's '15 Malibu after it ate itself due to a failed TECHM. BLACK is an understatement and it STANK something fierce.
