7MGTE Gasket question and 1990 MK3 Auto Questions

[Grandavi]

Couple questions for those that know.

1. Is a full 7MGTE gasket set useful on a 7MGE? I'm thinking the seals/gaskets should all work on either engine as its the head design and the oil "path" that is different (I could be wrong)

2. I just bought a 1990 MK3 with a 7MGTE and auto (not sure of name for the auto tranny yet.. on the learning curve).
- compared to my 88 standard, this car feels lackluster. Is that normal (both stock with 7MGTE's)
- The power steering has a hum and is difficult to turn while stopped. I assume this is a PS pump on its way out. Works perfect while driving.. is only noisy/heavy while parked or moving slowly. Should I try something to repair it or just swap it out with a new one?
- Should I flush the AT? Is there a preferred fluid for it? What the hell does the ECT do?? I assume that it changes the shift patterns to keep the revs higher...
- How different is the Diff gearings (I know they are different) between my 88 Standard Turbo and the 90 Auto Turbo?

Just trying to figure out what I need to do to brighten up the 90 and Its only the second Toyota I have owned with an auto transmission. Would have preferred a 5 spd, but you get what you get.. lol. At least the wife can drive it.
Worried about doing what I normally do with a vehicle when I buy it. I usually change out all the fluids (so I know where I'm at) and flush the transmission and brake system. Not sure if thats an easy task to do properly with the ABS, still have some reading to do.

Another car to learn with.. joy! :icon_bigg

 

[Grandavi]

I think I either overloaded the post with too many stupid questions or wrote it wrong.. rofl.

Off to read...

 

[Backlash2032]

The only differences between ge and GTE would be the upper intake or throttle body. Otherwise everything else should be exactly the same.

And the diff ratios are 3.9 in the pre 89 and 3.7 in the post 89. All turbos are like that. N/a is 4.3 all years.

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[MNBmk3T]

For the AT flush it would be a good idea to do it if you don't know when it was flushed last. Make sure you use Toyota ATF, the tranny tends to not really like any other fluids that I know of (correct me if I'm wrong? especially if anybody used a fluid that the tranny liked beside Toyota ATF).

About ECT, you pretty much nailed it. It changes the shift points to keep the car in the power band while accelerating and shifting gears.

For your power steering, try checking the fluid level? My buddy's 88 does that too when his fluid level is low. If not then your PS pump is probably on its way out.

 

[Backlash2032]

You could also check the screen in the res to see if its clear.

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[Grandavi]

screen in the ps res? I just see fluid and it looks clean. Pretty sure its just the pump heading out. I think it looks like a simple job to replace.. hopefully they are still available.. lol.

so is the 90 LSD any better than my 88's? I thought they changed either from or to Torsen during 89 due to problems with the pre 89's. (another read for me to find.. hehe)
I will flush the AT simply because I have no service records. I will probably end up flushing the brake system too because I strongly doubt that has been done (most people ignore it).

Going to have to put this car up on stands and go over it closely, because although it appears in excellent condition overall, some of the telltale things (like cracked hoses, etc.. ) lead me to believe it didn't get the maintenance it deserved.

 

[Orion ZyGarian]

The signs of a pump maybe heading out are the same as a dirty screen, which is much more common.

The difference in LSDs are pretty much just ratio (3.73 vs 3.909), so pick your fancy. The JZ cars got Torsens in 89, but they arent super great last I checked. I believe you can get them in 4.1 though.

Transmissions...the old fluid might be "holding everything together" and a flush with new fluid may kill it. If it doesnt, the transmission will be much happier with new fluid. Dexron VI is amazing stuff really.

You should really flush the brake fluid every 2 years I believe. Not sure what the interval is officially for our cars, but BMWs that use DOT4 specify just one year (DOT4 doesnt absorb water)

 

[Grandavi]

I thought that Dot4 did absorb water, just a lot less.
I went ahead and flushed the transmission. I looked at the fluid and pretty sure its been in there since 2004 (possibly since new). It was pretty damn dark. Also did an oil change (Mobil 10W30 Synthetic in there now). Took it on the highway and then for a zip through town. Transmission is far more responsive, it used to "almost" slip when starting before, not it feels a lot tighter. Almost positive that the PS pump is heading out the door... seeing as it only affects me while parked, I have a bit of time to replace it. Works perfectly fine while moving quicker..

3.7 diff in my car (apparently you can get that info from the plate on the firewall, i just never checked).

Valve cover gaskets leaking, no galley gasket.. guess thats my first thing to do.

Thanks all for the answers, so used to the R145, it kinda just hit me when I bought the auto that I wasnt very clear on what differences there might be.

 

[steve_mk3]

Before you go out an buy a new pump- and considering your Trans fluid was from 04 maybe from 1990.....how old is the P/S fluid???

IT could be the screen
it could be the fluid, all broken down and the pump is having a problem with it.

I would try and replace the fluid and clean the reservoir - if that fails then replace the pump.

Good luck
Steve

 

[Grandavi]

Thanks Steve,
where is this "screen"? When I peek into the reservoir (top of engine) I dont see any screen, just fluid.. so I am assuming its on the bottom of the reservoir? I do have a second reservoir in a box that came with the car.
The PS Hoses are pretty gummy and look like there were leaking (enough crap on them I cant tell if its old or new fluid coming out). The fluid in the reservoir looks to be about 3 years old.
(The engine in this car was rebuilt about 80,000 km ago, but I dont know exactly what date that was.. I think it was 2007, so generally, the PS fluid is probably as old as the rebuild).

Do I have to remove the fluid from the reservoir to check the screen? (it occurs to me that in 30+ years of owning cars I have never had a PS pump or line fail on me...)

 

[Orion ZyGarian]

You must not have had too many Fords or BMWs then