How can you tell if the snap ring TSB has been performed?

[ultimate4g63]

Hey guys,

I'm in Toronto, Canada. Just purchased a 92 NSX from the US. The tranny serial number is in range of snap ring failure. However, the private dealer I bought it from has no idea if the snap ring TSB had been performed. Even more interesting is that I found a photocopy of the TSB in the glove box. I called a couple Acura dealers in the US and they all told me that the car is too old to show any records. Is there any way to tell if the work has been done?

Thanks in advance.

 

[caz-nsx]

I'm not positve, but I believe that the tech was suppose to stamp a dot on the VIN in the engine compartment or something like that. Someone on here will have more info to add.

If you haven't already, check this link.

http://www.nsxprime.com/FAQ/Troubleshooting/transmission.htm

 

[ultimate4g63]

I'm not positve, but I believe that the tech was suppose to stamp a dot on the VIN in the engine compartment or something like that. Someone on here will have more info to add.

If you haven't already, check this link.

http://www.nsxprime.com/FAQ/Troubleshooting/transmission.htm

That's funny. Because when I spoke to the Acura dealer, he mentioned the same thing. However, he said for MOST TSB's that's what they're supposed to do...just not on this particular TSB. :shrug:

 

[otto_joe]

I'm not positve, but I believe that the tech was suppose to stamp a dot on the VIN in the engine compartment or something like that. Someone on here will have more info to add.

If you haven't already, check this link.

http://www.nsxprime.com/FAQ/Troubleshooting/transmission.htm

I think the punch over the vin in the engine compartment was only for recall services performed. i.e. coolant hose recall work would have a punch mark above the J in the engine compartment vin.
http://www.nsxprime.com/FAQ/Troubleshooting/cooling.htm

The snap ring was never a recall. :frown:


Otto

 

[nsxtasy]

I called a couple Acura dealers in the US and they all told me that the car is too old to show any records.

That's nonsense. Any dealer can pull up records from Acura HQ regarding WARRANTY WORK done on any car. They did it not long ago for mine.

However, if it was repaired but not under warranty, there's no way of knowing, unless you know which dealer (or independent mechanic) might have done the work and you contact them.

 

[ultimate4g63]

However, if it was repaired but not under warranty, there's no way of knowing

I'm guessing it wasn't done under warranty. So basically, there's nothing I can physically look at to tell if it had been done?

 

[Larry Bastanza]

Remember the Snap-ring was not officially a "recall". This repair was not given the "dot" on the VIN mark, but there was one for the orignal water pump/hose early recall.

As Ken mentioned the "fixing" dealer should have a record, but there is no national DB for these repairs.

Unfortunately the only real way to know is if the car had been just completed and the case looks shiny new. If the car was done many years/miles ago it is really impossible to tell without a repair bill/dealer record.

HTH,
LarryB

 

[nsxtasy]

Larry,

The repair records in Acura's central database - do they include all warranty work, or only warranty work on recalls?

 

[drew]

tranny serial number is in range of snap ring failure.

I was under the impression that the replacement case doesn't have a factory applied serial number??

If so, wouldn't this mean that his case is original?

Drew

 

[ultimate4g63]

I was under the impression that the replacement case doesn't have a factory applied serial number??

If so, wouldn't this mean that his case is original?

Drew

The serial number on this car is on the upper case.

 

[ultimate4g63]

Just some more inside info...

It's a 92 NSX with ulta low mileage. Under 8000 miles actually.

 

[Larry Bastanza]

The serial number on this car is on the upper case.

That is true of all NSX transmissions.

Ken,

since this was a descretionary repair, and not a recall I am not 100% sure if they would log it in the "Waranty" DB. I was thinking not. Maybe John V. can answer that quesiton better.

Regards,
LarryB

 

[ScienceofSpeed]

The serial number on this car is on the upper case.

That's correct. The number is not on the affected case. Unless the technician marks the case some how, there's no way to confirm looking at the case.

Due to your low miles, it's unlikely that the transmission has failed making it unlikely that the case has been changed.

We offer repair services where we send you a complete core transmission and you can send us yours in exchange if you are interested.

Regards,
-- Chris

 

[nsxtasy]

I would buy the car, but pay $1500 less than if the car were not in the snap ring range.

I would also not do anything yet, other than read about the symptoms of snap ring failure (loose shift knob, etc). If and when those symptoms occur, I would park the car immediately and have the snap ring and tranny case replaced; otherwise, I would replace those parts only when the transmission needs service (clutch replacement, aftermarket gear installation, etc).

 

[Doc308]

You or a mechanic can inspect the snap ring itself via the inspection plug to see if it is intact. Of course, this is no guarantee that it will remain intact over time.

In my case , my car --a '92, shifted perfectly and had absolutely no symptoms of a broken snap ring. Much to my surprise, upon inspection I saw pieces of the ring sitting on the inside of the inspection hole! About 1/4 of the ring had broken off. Apparently there was enough left in place so as to keep everything tight enough for normal shifting. Anyway, it may be good to take a look before purchasing, even if the car shifts OK.