Hi - I've got a beautiful 75 Delta 88 convertible. But I'm a complete newcomer to old cars and engines and am hoping you all can help. The car is in storage, two hours from where I live, so I can only check on it infrequently, and making service on it very difficult. The last time i checked, all or most of the transmission fluid had leaked out. My question is: will leaving it with no transmission fluid for another 4 or 5 months do any damage? Or should I put some transmission sealer and leave it until I can get the gaskets checked etc.

Thanks in advance. Here's Frankie.

 

Frankie, that's a beautiful Olds.

Storing the transmission low on fluid won't damage it but driving it low on fluid surely will. I had the spare TH 400 from my 71 98 sitting on my garage floor for 10 years low on fluid. When I re-installed it recently I topped off the fluid and test drove it. The old 455 and TH 400 ran like a champ.

 

There is a good chance that there is still a lot of fluid in the transmission. You probably only lost what is in the converter, but as mentioned above don't drive it low on fluid.

I'm not there to see what you are seeing but a little transmission fluid on the floor goes a L O N G W A Y S. A quart dropped on the floor will make a 8x8 oily spot and use up two rolls of paper towels. Been there done that several times.... Tedd

 

Thanks so much to you guys. I can rest easier now. I bet you are right, it's not all the fluid. It looked like a big puddle to me but what you are saying about the converter makes me feel a lot better. Thanks again.

 

Also, whenever you bring the car out of storage you should consider installing a new pan gasket instead of using transmission stop-leak. When you install the new pan gasket you can also install a new filter. If the leak persists you know that it's probably your front or rear seal (or maybe even power steering if someone filled your system with ATF).

 

There is no stupide question never be afraid to ask.
It is always a learning curve .Always be open.
Alain

 

Thanks, yes for me a big car and a big learning curve.

 

That is a nice car. I have taken several apart in my quest to finish mine. Nothing rides like a big old GM. Definitely address that leak before you drive it. If you find you need any parts, I have a basement full. Good luck with it.
Jim

 

I agree that it will not hurt it as long as it's not being used. Avoid the stop-leak. Identify the leak and fix it properly. Then install the correct fluid before driving it. It's a beautiful car.

 

I love the white interior,it goes great with the Blue.! Its a real headturner. Sweet ride Frankie!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

Thanks for all of the advice. I took a look and it appears that the leak was less than I'd imagined. Still a sizable puddle but probably less than a quart. When I take it out of storage I will follow all of your helpful advice. Best, Mark