Saginaw Transmission Tips

There are many resources available for owners to work on a Saginaw transmission at home.transmission image by Philippe SURMELY from Fotolia.com

Saginaw transmissions are a type of manual transmission generally found stock in GM vehicles. There are both three speed and four speed Saginaw transmissions. There are many resources available to do-it-yourselfers for maintaining and repairing a Saginaw transmission at home.

Identification

Before beginning work on your transmission, ensure that you are aware of what type of transmission it is. If you don't have an owner's manual, or your transmission is not stock, you can still identify whether or not you have a Saginaw transmission and whether it is a three or four speed. Use a flashlight and an inspection mirror to find the identification tag on the side of the transmission case. All Saginaw transmissions have a locator plate on the lower right-hand side of the case near the rear cover. Once you have identified the transmission type, you will be able to find the technical specification for your Saginaw transmission.

If you plan on repairing your Saginaw transmission at home, then it can be helpful to have a detailed repair manual to look to for advice. If you do not have the original owner's manual for your transmission, you can download repair manuals online for a small fee. The Carburetor Manual website offers the Saginaw Three Speed and Four Speed Transmission Shop Repair Manual as a down-loadable eBook for $4.99. The service and repair manual will give you detailed drawings and instructions that will walk you through various repairs.

A Saginaw manual transmission needs to be checked for leaks and proper lubrication at least every 6000 miles. If a leak is found, it should be corrected as quickly as possible. Be sure and make sure that there is always sufficient gear lubricant in the transmission. SAE 90 multipurpose gear lubricant should be used in a Saginaw manual transmission. The refill capacity is three and a half pints.

You can purchase Saginaw transmission parts and overhaul kits in order to repair your transmission at home. Be sure to purchase a kit for the transmission specific to your car. This is why it is important to first identify your transmission and ensure you purchase the correct parts. Kits vary depending on the extent of your planned overhaul.