Rostra solenoids vs regular ones.

[dikidera]

Has anyone inspected the rostra solenoids and how they differ between the originals? If it's just the drilled holes on the back of the solenoid, can we not do the very same to the originals to let them drain?

[Blacklab467]

You probably could, the cap comes off easily and could be drilled but I would discourage it on the basis that unless your fluid is perfectly clean you would be introducing more contaminant into the piston and bores which ultimately gets imbedded into the bushing, seizing the solenoid up.
I did the TransGo kit about 6 years ago which comes with the solenoid cleaning arbors and mines been perfect since, I don't think improving flow is important in this application. What problems are you having with your solenoids/ transmission btw?

[dikidera]

Hard shifts on each shift, regardless of transmission temp. You can see I tried to resolve this by modifying the adaptations, however because of the way some adaptations work, this proved to be a fruitless endeavor(so far). Even Lubeguard did nothing, if anything shifts became firmer(harder) than before.

I was contemplating doing this cleaning of the solenoids, however in one of Peppermint's videos he said his shifts became worse(he didnt reset adaptations). So then I looked at the Rostra solenoids as potential replacements, the only thing I noticed was drilled vents on the back side.

I will first be installing an in-line transmission filter, probably not Magnefine though, but something like the honda filter with a powerful magnet manually attached to the filter casing(like a neodymium).

I was also considering getting the ACDelco valve body instead of Rostra solenoids, it's only 2 or 2.5 times more expensive but delivery from USA to Europe is dodgy for something that is 600-700 dollars. And from what I read, the wiring harness is too short for it?

[Blacklab467]

I would refer to the troubleshooting guide on the Sonnax website to know which solenoid (s) are responsible for the problem you are having. I also watched Peppermint's video on this topic, and went through the whole routine of changing transmission torque mounts, engine mounts, B-4 servo update, and drain and fills with no improvement. The Transgo kit was about $120 and includes several updates to the valve body and includes all you will need for rebuilding (cleaning) the solenoids. It's a good feeling when you take the solenoid apart and the pintle doesn't move in the bushing.....you know you've found you're problem. I did not do the adaptations after and the transmission was working as it should be after several driving cycles.
It seems many people think they can slowly return their transmission to good operating condition by incessantly repeating the " drain and fill" technique but a problem with contaminants embedded in the solenoid bushing will need this type of intervention.
I do wonder if a previous owner was into your transmission an adjusted the balance spring pressure on these solenoids in error causing the harsh shifts also. Google Sonnax AW 55 for the troubleshooting guide. Good Luck

[dikidera]

My valve body should the mid version B stamped with the updated B4 servo cover and the spring in the VB since it is an early facelift (2005) model S60. I am sure the previous owner did nothing, as when I got it 2 years ago, the oil was tar black. It is during my usage and various issues I had that overall let to a significant deterioration of the shifting.

When I got the car and was new to the forum I remember telling vtl that I only ever experienced a 2-3 bump when cold and hot, but that the transmission was shifting great when cold. This was 2 years ago. Now I experience a bump on each gear regardless of temperature.

And I have perused the Sonnax chart. According to it, every single one of the three solenoids is responsible for harsh shifting. Bumps/hard shifting on 1-2, 2-3(most intense), 3-4, 4-5(less so), and 5-4(less so), 4-3(more so), 3-2(quite a lot), 2-1(same as 3-2).

No flaring, in my opinion.

[firstv70volvo]

Hard shifts on each shift, regardless of transmission temp. You can see I tried to resolve this by modifying the adaptations, however because of the way some adaptations work, this proved to be a fruitless endeavor(so far). Even Lubeguard did nothing, if anything shifts became firmer(harder) than before.

I was contemplating doing this cleaning of the solenoids, however in one of Peppermint's videos he said his shifts became worse(he didnt reset adaptations). So then I looked at the Rostra solenoids as potential replacements, the only thing I noticed was drilled vents on the back side.

I will first be installing an in-line transmission filter, probably not Magnefine though, but something like the honda filter with a powerful magnet manually attached to the filter casing(like a neodymium).

I was also considering getting the ACDelco valve body instead of Rostra solenoids, it's only 2 or 2.5 times more expensive but delivery from USA to Europe is dodgy for something that is 600-700 dollars. And from what I read, the wiring harness is too short for it?

If you look at the Sonnax Zip Kit for the AW55 Aisin transmission they include many parts to restore main VB pressure and solenoid pressure that feeds all the linear solenoids. This corrects worn valve body problems but you still have the solenoids to rebuild or replace and why I think you should consider the AC Delco VB, a new valve body and new solenoids will fix all the potential VB and solenoid problems. It's a considerable amount of work to deal with the linear solenoids by themselves and you may not fix an underlying worn VB problem and why I would recommend a new VB if you can afford it.

[dikidera]

I concur a new VB will be the better choice, but as you said cost...but I will see. I identified a CV axle problem, and two engine mounts I will first fix to see if that affects shifting somewhat for the better.