Actuator feed limit valve assembly

An improved valve body for an automotive transmission, said valve body defining a plurality of hydraulic fluid circuits including an actuator feed limit circuit for delivering hydraulic fluid to hydraulically actuated components of said transmission, said valve body further including a plurality of spool valves functioning to regulate the flow and pressure of said fluid, wherein the improvement comprises:

• a replacement actuator feed limit valve assembly including a valve piston having a primary spool diameter and a secondary spool diameter, said valve piston further including fluid directing means comprising a stem portion interconnecting said primary spool diameter and said secondary spool diameter, said stem portion having symmetrical, radially-outward tapering ends measuring in the range of 25 to 35 degrees to the longitudinal axis of said valve piston, said valve piston being disposed within a mating valve sleeve having a plurality of inlet and exhaust ports, said piston being capable of movement from an open to a closed position relative to said ports, spring-biasing means disposed in contact with said valve piston such that said valve piston is spring-biased to said open position and is movable to said closed position in response to a predetermined maximum fluid pressure within said actuator feed limit circuit, and retaining means for capturing said valve assembly within said valve body.

An actuator feed limit valve assembly for installation in a transmission valve body having an actuator feed limit circuit for conducting hydraulic fluid to the hydraulically actuated components of a transmission, said actuator feed limit valve assembly comprising:

• a cylindrical valve sleeve having a plurality of inlet ports and a plurality of exhaust ports arranged in radial patterns at predetermined axial locations thereon;
• a valve piston comprised of a plurality of spool diameters interconnected by at least one contoured valve stem for directing the flow of said fluid within the valve chamber in the direction of said exhaust ports to reduce fluid turbulence within said valve chamber;
• a compression spring disposed in contact with said valve piston such that said valve piston is spring biased to an open position and is movable to a closed position relative to said ports in response to a predetermined maximum fluid pressure within said actuator feed limit circuit;
• and
• a retaining clip disposed in locking relation to said sleeve for securing said valve assembly within said valve body of the transmission.