Conquering the GM Compensator Clip Conundrum

As the compensator feed regulator bore in GM 6L45, 6L50, 6L80, 6L90 and 6T40, 6T45, 6T50 units wears over time, it can cause timing issues for the application of clutches, which often lead to harsh shifts, bump shifts, flares, burnt clutches and, in extreme cases, overheated fluid. Sonnax compensator feed regulator valve kit 104740-09K has proven an effective, time-tested solution to this problem. Because the kit can be used in both front- and rear-wheel-drive units, it pays to note a slight — but important — difference in installation methods between 6L and 6T valve bodies. In particular, the details of the retainer clips must be considered.

Although the bores are the same in 6L and 6T units, the thickness of the casting walls is slightly different. In 6L valve bodies, the installed Sonnax sleeve leaves enough room to reuse the OE retainer clip with ease. If you try to use the Sonnax clip instead, it will end up sticking out too far, preventing the castings from bolting together.

6T40/45/50 units allow the Sonnax sleeve to protrude just far enough outboard that the .077" thick factory clip is often too thick to be reused. This is why we include a custom, .066" thick retainer clip in the Sonnax compensator feed regulator valve kit; it is slightly thinner than the OE clip to compensate for this minor dimensional change.

If your memory is anything like mine, you may have to run into the issue a couple times before you remember these details without checking reference material. Rest assured if you can’t remember, the Sonnax Tech Team is always here to help.

Andrew Jessiman is a Sonnax product support representative. He is a member of the Sonnax TASC Force (Technical Automotive Specialties Committee), a group of recognized industry technical specialists, transmission rebuilders and Sonnax technicians.