I have a 1971 e type V12 with 43,000 miles. My transmissionhesitates between 1st and 2nd. If I take my foot off the gas when it starts hesitatesit will shift. Transmission fluid is clear with no burnt smell. My mechanic wantsto replace the transmission for $4,000. Any thoughts?

 

Check the vacuum modulator. Since this transmission has no mechanical linkage from the throttle to the transmission, it uses vacuum sensing to control it's behavior along with a downshift switch/solenoid. After many years the diaphragm in the modulator is likely to crack and leak, rendering it useless. This will also lead to sucking transmission fluid into the intake manifold which shows up as smoke in the exhaust.


I had this same transmission in my own SIII E Type but have since replaced it with a JT5. If you have an early '71 then you have the best of the BW12 transmissions. The differences are in the valve body compared to the later ones. If set up properly, it actually pretty good. With tweaking, you can get a bit of rubber from second gear.


Good Luck!

 

Might have fluid and filter replaced. Might look clear and smell good and still leave dirt in the valve body.