auto wont engage reverse

[Wornoutwoolclasser]

Thanks mudnut. I don't think your RB30S is simple at all

I didn't change the filter and GV Autos didn't invoice me for one so your suggestion makes sense.
It wasn't too bad until last week when I got caught in loose sand at a beach towing the boat. After a lot of back/fwd we got it out but everything got a bit stressed (hot) and reverse engagement became much slower.
Forward engagement is still normal, gear changes are sweet, just slow to engage reverse.
I'll change the filter and let you know what happens

[NissanGQ4.2]

Possible worn reverse clutch plates, you won't really know until gearbox comes out

[mudnut]

There is a strainer in line before the oil pump. The correct sealant applied to the surface of the tray, not the gearbox surface, should take up any low spots between the surfaces and gasket. Since you have already changed out the fluid you should only need enough to refill the tray and a bit of a top up. I sincerely hope it works for you, but as suggested above, it really does sound like worn reverse clutch plates.

Edit, the transmission runs a strainer, not a filter.

[Wornoutwoolclasser]

If the plates are worn wouldn't it slip?

[BillsGU]

Autos are for experts. Go to the auto place on Thomas Mitchell drive Wodonga next time you are in town. Your problem may be an indicator of more serious problems that will leave you stuck in the middle of no where.

[Wornoutwoolclasser]

That's what I was afraid of. I suppose I'm clutching at straws

[BillsGU]

Nothing wrong with getting advice and finding it may be something simple and cheap. But when all the guessing is over - call in the experts. Sometimes to keep going costs more in the long term (recovery costs if you get stuck or by causing irreparable damage).

[mudnut]

What exactly did GV autos put on the invoice?

[Wornoutwoolclasser]

Nothing really because when they went to drop the oil they noticed the coolant ingress and rang to tell me the news. The radiator was the first thing that had to be replaced so there was no point in doing anything else until then. Now that I've done that I may as well change the filter and see what happens. if that doesn't fix it I'll have to get it rebuilt.
The only item they charged for was the oil to top it up.

[mudnut]

Must've been very minor contamination, as when coolant leaks into the auto (in my experiences) it usually overflows and you find a pool of
fluid /coolant under the vehicle. Did you notice the coolant level dropping, at all?