Lylosys

Hello !
This afternoon I replaced the radiator on my 1973 delta 88 . No problem, but when I finished, and tried to drive, the transmission doesn't work anymore ! When I put Reverse, or Drive, nothing happen.

What Can it be ? I'm a little worried... Thank you !

tru-blue 442

Sounds like it may be low on fluid. Did you run it up to temp then check it?

Lylosys

It seems to be a little lower than minimal.
Maybe I loose some when I change the radiator.
If the level of fluid is too low, the transmission Can stop working like this ?

tru-blue 442

Yes. You always lose some when replacing a radiator. Run it in park until the car is warmed up to operating temp.
In park at idle, check the fluid on the stick. You'll need to wipe it once, then re-insert to get the correct reading.

Lylosys

Thank you, it works ! I had ni idea a lack of fluid make the transmission completely stop working. Is it a security ?
Anyway, I just start the restauration of the car, I think it will not be the last question I will ask here ^^ Thanks a lot !

tru-blue 442

You're Welcome. Good luck with it.

Fun71

It's the way automatic transmissions work. The "Hydramatic" in the name "Turbo Hydramatic" refers to hydraulic operation, which is using a pressurized fluid to move the internal operating parts. If the fluid level gets too low, there isn't sufficient fluid flow or pressure for the transmission to operate.

Lylosys

Okay, good to know ! I still have much to learn :-) Thanks !

oldcutlass

Keep an eye on it since you ran low on fluid it may have done some damage.

matt69olds

Fun71

Unless some drained out of the cooler lines when they were disconnected from the radiator.