93 Protege purchase

[Fatso]

I have a 93 Protege LX 1.8 DOHC with a bad automatic transaxle. I can purchase a twin that has been wrecked (damage ahead of radiator support) BUT has been sitting about 4 years. I was thinking of switching transaxles,replacing the seals in the one from the wreck and putting it in the good one. Do you think this is a good idea. Of course I'd do the fluid and filter also. What could go wrong with this transmission sitting for this long? Thanks in advance for all your help.

[Kelly]

rotten seals inside the tranny. but really thats a good question now that i thing about it, I used to tear apart ford rwd transmissions that had set for so long but never 4 years. I know that there would be o rings that would need to be replaced but damn thats sompin to think about.

[bruce95fmla]

I don't know man, that transmission has been sitting for a damn long time... You may want to becarful.

[Fatso]

Just trying to save a buck or two. I can buy the wrecked LX for $350. The local salvage yard wants $650 for a used transaxle and who knows how long it's been sitting. What else would work? Is there any that interchange? I'm new to the world of Mazda so I really appreciate any help. Thanks

[Kelly]

just get the tranny rebuilt, find a joe schmoe shop, pay 300 more dollars and have a fresh tranny.

[Kelly]

and dude that sy is f'in you, i just got an entire 2.0 for a 2001 accent with 23k on it for 400 from a junkyard down the road for me.

[D323]

jy yard here wants 200 for Bp and 200 for LX tranny. No idea of miles though.

[Fatso]

I think I'll do a little more shopping around. Sure wish that car hadn't sat around that long. Identical parts cars just don't show up all the time. Thanks for all the help.

[Kevin]

mazda automatic transmissions are a dime a dozen, so the 'Best' transmission candidate that you can find is your better bet. if you can find a trans better than one that's been sitting around for 4 years, you're better off. i'm not sure what the interchangeable tranny's are for the protege, but any LX or DX protege automatic transmission will work. the transmission codes are listed on this website (the FAQ) http://web2.airmail.net/theman/protegefaq/ bear in mind, you want the FWD trans code. only other thing i could suggest is check the trans fluid from the transmission you're pulling.. making sure it's not milky in any form or fashion. this is the same problem that was found in my trans, only to have the clutchlettes wear excessively and actually dissolve into the ATF fluid. good luck bro, you've found yourself a great daily driver
kevin

[Kevin]

i have a hard time trying to understand engine codes even IF it's spelled out for me, however, the fwd protege 1.8 trans code is F4A-EL... not G4AX-EL.. as that would be the 4wd trans.. sorry, just a personal accomplshment for me :p:

[Fatso]

Now at least I know the difference in the SOHC and the DOHC automatic transaxle. From that web site's information (THANKS for that) the final drive ratio is the difference. Not too much to deal with for me and it widens my search path. This is a great car. My mother bought it new and when the trans went out at 103,000 she bought a new ride. I got this one from her and will put my wife in it to commute to college (100 miles round trip daily) this fall.Thanks for all the help here. You'll be seeing me around from time to time as we keep this ride on the road. <><

[D323]

thank TheMan for that website. He is one of the many gurus that can tell you what almost every nut and bolt and screw does in your car.