Today I drove the cutlass to work and on the way back it started whining really loud. It would change frequency and it would get louder with rpm increase. Around 2700-2800 rpm it would make grinding noise which would turn into loud whining as the rpm increase. Could this be a torque converter? I have Hughes 2500 (stall 2800). When I let go of the gas it would quiet down. when I was pulling the car in the garage (I have a steep driveway), it made almost ringing noise when I have it some gas.

I already ruled out the power steering pump, alternator, water pump, belts, and everything else on the engine. It's definitely coming from under the car.

I checked the fluid and it seems like there is quite a bit of silver on rag when I wiped the dipstick. Transmission shifts fine and the fluid doesn't smell burnt.
Thanks in advance.

 

Although you did not state what transmission, a whining and crunchy noises is not good. Normally just a whine could be as simple as a filter issue.

 

Sorry it's a th350, recently rebuilt with heavy duty components.

 

I hate to say but that is about what my transmission was doing when it grenaded early last year. It was not the converter - one of the sprags in the trans came apart.

 

Direct drum sprag is a common failure BUT you loose second gear. You need to do a stress test. I recently had my th350 eat a sealing ring on the pump. Trans shifted fine and drive fine while crusing but when you got on it and hit second gear and the rpms shot up as was my case. I took it apart and everyone swore it was the sprag but i it was a 50 cent part lol. Seems to be working fine now . Give it stress test see what it does under heavly load like w.ot.

 

I'd take it back to where it was rebuilt and not mess with it.

 

I would second that. i rebuilt mine so i couldnt really yell at the builder lol.

 

Sure you can, just stand in front of a mirror...

 

The trans rebuilder told me He was surprised I had any forward gears.

 

Thanks guys. I will talk to the guy that rebuilt it. Looks like it might be time for the th400 to go in.
Dang, I have to get under the car again. I just finished the coilovers and control arms and bunch maw's.