Level 10 transmission Died
 

Yesterday our transmission started slipping in all gears, but some more than others.

Reverse gear is completely gone and the fluid has turned black and smells burnt.

This really upsets me because 4 years ago we paid a huge sum of money to have our transmission shipped to the states and fixed up by Level 10. At the time, people were making bold statements about how Level 10 transmissions were essentially indestructible.

We had heard that some people had gone through 3 or more transmissions and it seemed to us that the Level 10 route would be a good investment. Looks like we were wrong.

Crying into our burnt transmission fluid.

Phil & Belha.

Sorry to hear that Phil.

If that is the case, you would be better to have it fixed by the crew in Glasgow, and be prepared to fix it every few years. It would average out cheaper.

Here's a possible option for you: since the Level 10 rebuild burnt out, why don't you email them first, then telephone them to complain. With the distances and costs and timeframe involved, they probably will not want to do a warranty fix for you. However, you could make the case about how let down you are, and get them to forward you the hi-torque clutch packs they use, for you to get your local tranny guys to fit them in England. This will keep down transport costs, and they may sell you the packs at a discount, since you must be their farthest away customer.

Worth a try?

Joe

PS What Legacy have you guys got? I have just bought a twin-turbo '97 estate from Japan to use while I am fixing up Black Betty:) :D

to phil @ belha
 

from brettzx12 sorry to hear about your gearboxs theway to go is 5 speed box my car is osum ones it is dun you can forget about it gowing agen if you want any advice phone me maby I coud pot it in for you .I stil havent dun my speedow yet pleas get in tuch from brettzx12 07812023006

That's a real bummer, Phil. I hope the folks at Level10 make some right for you. :(



Joe-

You're developing quite the collection over there. Way to go! :D

Mike

Darned good thing eddycat ain't around to snicker and point. He had poo pooed the Level 10 job from the get-go.

I'm just happy that I could never afford the "upgrade," as I would've probably had it done.

My condolensces, Phil. Yours, however has been the first (that I know of) to fail. Others had difficulty at the outset, until L-10 figured out the different looms between the early and later models, but, none have failed.

I'd agree with Joe's assessment. If they have any conscience at all, they'll do SOMETHING to help out.

Of course, now that their number one fan is now using mass transit in Estonia, they're probably not doing the business they once were. :D

I was waiting for that one ;)

I'm sorry. <evil grin>

"Ladies and gentlemen, Randy's self control had LEFT the building!"

It's fine, randy. We forgive you.

Glass of Bordeaux?

Mike

:D

Thanks Mike.

When I have supercharged Black Betty, I will have a formidable trio of Subies. One N/A, one Supercharged, and one TwinTurbo'd.

Forgive the overuse of capitalisation, it's the latent Capitalist in me trying to re-assert.:D I believe strongly in forced feeding for extra power. Come to think of it, I believe strongly in forced drinking as well. Pass that Bordeaux you mentioned!!

Joe:)

[Enlighten me: who's in Estonia??]

Sorry to hear of your woes.

My local Subaru dealers in Wooton Wawen, Andrew Burt, had a look at my car after I had the transmission done. They had 3 SVX's there at the time. They told me that before they sell the SVX they remove the tranny and get it rebuilt by a local guy for £800 and they have never had any comeback on the rebuilds. May be worth a try? 01564 794455

I am so sorry to hear what happened - I can't think of what to say

:(

As Randy and others said, hopefully L10 will help out with this considering the efforts you made to ship the tranny to them

Best of luck

James

Blondie :( :eek:

Harvey.;)

As in Blonde_man?

Long long time no see?

Over three years ago?

When marimba rhythms start to sway?

:D

I wondered what happened to Eric. Last I heard he got done for speeding, blamed it on the car and was talking about selling it because he couldn't bear to drive it slowly. :rolleyes: Or maybe I'm thinking of someone else.

Pity he's not over here. I'd like to thank him personally for introducing me to Level 10. :p

small update
 

Thanks guys for the condolences and advice. :)

We've had a few quotes between 800 and 2000 pounds. Not entirely sure why they vary so much. I wouldn't be surprised if some of the lower quotes mysteriously increase once the box is spread out on the workbench and it's too late to go elsewhere.

Matt (SVXCase) has offered to have a go at rebuilding it, having previously worked at a transmission centre. Not 100% sure whether to take him up on that or not at present.

I've contacted Pat, the boss of Levelten and he asked me to do a flow test on the gearbox. This involves pulling off the return hose, running the engine and seeing how much fluid comes out in 30 seconds.

I did that last night and got about 2.6 litres of soupy black fluid. I don't know how to interpret that, except to say that the pump must be working and the cooler is not completely blocked.

I've passed that info back to Levelten and I'll see what they say.

Phil.