Torque converter screw up
#1
Torque converter screw up
I was going to fire up the 403 this weekend for the first time since my restoration.
After a few beer last night with my buddy ,he asked "did you fill the torque converter?". It was a great question to which I did not have the answer. Another buddy Larry rebuilt the transmission 3 years ago. It had a cap on the input shaft and I think I remember moving it around and some fluid spilling. Not that confident in my memory.
So the $64,000.00 do I need to pull the tranny again? If I fire it up with no fluid will I damage the torque converter? will the tranny pump fill the converter once it's running?
I am really hoping for No, No, Yes! LOL
Thank you in advance.
Mike
PS Larry said the was a TH400 Torque converter. So it looks like the factory installed a TH400 converter on aTH350 tranny with the 403 cu motor.
After a few beer last night with my buddy ,he asked "did you fill the torque converter?". It was a great question to which I did not have the answer. Another buddy Larry rebuilt the transmission 3 years ago. It had a cap on the input shaft and I think I remember moving it around and some fluid spilling. Not that confident in my memory.
So the $64,000.00 do I need to pull the tranny again? If I fire it up with no fluid will I damage the torque converter? will the tranny pump fill the converter once it's running?
I am really hoping for No, No, Yes! LOL
Thank you in advance.
Mike
PS Larry said the was a TH400 Torque converter. So it looks like the factory installed a TH400 converter on aTH350 tranny with the 403 cu motor.
#2
IMO, no. I think I did this as a kid having gone through so many transmissions until I changed to a Turbo 400. I don't remember ever filling a torque converter and the transmissions worked fine. Until I grenaded them.
#3
If I recall (been a while), the TC should fill from the pan, no problem.
BUT, you will be surprised at how much ATF you are pouring down that dipstick tube.
The level will sit at about half a quart below FULL forever - at least until you overfill it.
- Eric
BUT, you will be surprised at how much ATF you are pouring down that dipstick tube.
The level will sit at about half a quart below FULL forever - at least until you overfill it.
- Eric
#4
Thanks guy's you made my weekend.
MD, that's exactly what's happening. pouring the fluid and it seems to not fill. 10 quart is what the manuals say's on an overhaul. I put in 5 and it came up to 1/2 on the stick and I thought what the heck? So I should keep pouring and go slow on the last 2 quarts?
Regards
Mike
MD, that's exactly what's happening. pouring the fluid and it seems to not fill. 10 quart is what the manuals say's on an overhaul. I put in 5 and it came up to 1/2 on the stick and I thought what the heck? So I should keep pouring and go slow on the last 2 quarts?
Regards
Mike
#5
Pour it in half a quart at a time, unless you have one of those suction doohickeys that can suck the ATF back out through the tube.
Just turn it on, let it idle, pour, check, pour, check, etc.
Probably a good idea to run the selector through the gears every couple of quarts, too.
- Eric
Just turn it on, let it idle, pour, check, pour, check, etc.
Probably a good idea to run the selector through the gears every couple of quarts, too.
- Eric
#6
Pour it in half a quart at a time, unless you have one of those suction doohickeys that can suck the ATF back out through the tube.
Just turn it on, let it idle, pour, check, pour, check, etc.
Probably a good idea to run the selector through the gears every couple of quarts, too.
- Eric
Just turn it on, let it idle, pour, check, pour, check, etc.
Probably a good idea to run the selector through the gears every couple of quarts, too.
- Eric
Once you've done this, check the trans fluid level. It will be down. Fill to the line and repeat. Do this until the level doesn't go down. Be aware that the level should be low until the fluid is up to temp, however, so don't over fill.
#7
As usual you gentlemen's help has exceeded my expectations. Thank you.
Joe, the car's in the air now. Actually has been about 2feet in the air for the last 5 years. I was going to drop it on the ground today, but my buddy's statement got me thinking. Sure glad I don't need to pre fill the torque converter.
Is the "fill the torque converter" before installing an old wives tale or is it just good practice? I have heard that before.
going to drop it on the ground, lift the rear wheels and make this Olds come alive again. It's going to be a good weekend. My birthday tomorrow and I am planning on taking my baby for a drive.
Thanks again, I'll keep you posted later tonight.
Mike
Joe, the car's in the air now. Actually has been about 2feet in the air for the last 5 years. I was going to drop it on the ground today, but my buddy's statement got me thinking. Sure glad I don't need to pre fill the torque converter.
Is the "fill the torque converter" before installing an old wives tale or is it just good practice? I have heard that before.
going to drop it on the ground, lift the rear wheels and make this Olds come alive again. It's going to be a good weekend. My birthday tomorrow and I am planning on taking my baby for a drive.
Thanks again, I'll keep you posted later tonight.
Mike
#8
In the directions for most new torque convertors it says to add a quart into the opening prior to installation. That usually brings it to the level of the bottom of the opening when turned to the direction to install it.
#10
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December 18th, 2007 06:35 PM