September 30, 2005
Anatomy of a Transmission: Oil Flow in the Pump-PR-Converter-Cooler Lube Circuits
Gregg Nader
If OE valve has through balance hole, Sonnax valve cannot be used.
High-mileage vehicles with GM TH400 and TH425 units often experience poor line pressure control due to a worn pressure regulator bore. This will result in high cooler pressure and converter, crankshaft and/or friction element failure. This bore wear can be verified by testing line pressure and testing the pump. This hardened steel valve continuously oscillates within the cast-iron pump bore, resulting in wear. Balance line pressure is then allowed to leak past the valve and exhaust to the sump. This prevents the pressure regulator valve from moving completely to the lower line pressure position. Sonnax pressure regulator valve kit 34910-03K eliminates these problems.
September 30, 2005
Gregg Nader