Transmission Shrapnel
 

Hello I need some help from all the transmission guys out there to identify some metal chunks i found in the transmission pan. 1970 GMC with 350/TH350 transmission. I just bought this truck recently, and have not driven it yet, but it did make it into my shop under its own power (fwd and rev work). PO didn't drive it either as he spent a year or so resurrecting it from the dead. Being it winter up here in the 51st state, it wont see pavement for a few more months, and my inclination is to just drive it and see what happens. I would hate to spend a wad of money to get it rebuilt only to find out something puked in the torque converter. I have no plans to do any heavy towing or long trips, just drive it to the local car shows here in the summer. ID number on the pan is Y8S 21D (1968?) All pieces are magnetic, and the fluid didn't look that bad, bottom of the pan was sludgy and dirty, but not much metal grime.

Cheers!

Re: Transmission Shrapnel
 

Sprag bearing, complete rebuild time.

Re: Transmission Shrapnel
 

Thank you raggedJim! I will have to phone a local transmission guy and have it rebuilt. I've had the opposite problem in the past, i thought i blew my TH400...paid for a rebuild, only to discover after, that it was actually the torque converter! Had this site been around 30 years ago, would have saved me a few bills!

Re: Transmission Shrapnel
 

No problem, good luck!

Rg

Re: Transmission Shrapnel
 

I wouldn’t run a TQ conv. That had shrapnel in the case

Re: Transmission Shrapnel
 

Agreed, One shop thought it looked like planetary pieces, and another said if fwd and reverse both work it might be the torque converter, either way, they both need to go.

Re: Transmission Shrapnel
 

Just recently got it back from the transmission shop. The verdict was shot sprag, and pump. Also they said someone put additive in at one point. The problem with that is it swells up o rings and such to improve performance, but the is nothing to stop it from swelling. They pulled out a rubber check ball that had morphed into 1" long tube! lol. Torque converter also got rebuilt and stage 2 shift kit. Great shop, they dyno checked it too!

Re: Transmission Shrapnel
 

Any idea what type of additive does that? Seems like something I'd like to avoid ;-)

Re: Transmission Shrapnel
 

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That's a good question. While I think complete avoidance of these additives is best, it's worth while to research it just a little...

This guy did a real neat test and posted his results in a very easy to read/see/understand format...

https://bobistheoilguy.com/forums/th...g-test.129732/


With respect to transmission additives this discussion brings up some good points:

https://go4trans.com/technical-trans...atf-additives/

...such as:

1)
Additives for restoration of rubber seals and pistons (such as Trans-XK&W). Such additives may temporarily restore operational characteristics (elasticity and flexibility) of sealing rubber bands and pistons. The problem lies in the fact that additives continue to soften and swell the seals until they simply fall apart.

2)
Sealing additives are used to prevent or eliminate leaks in channels of the transmission. It helps to fix the leakage without transmission disassembly. But at the same time this substance may have a negative impact on plungers, solenoids, and mechanical valves. In some cases oil valves get clogged.

3)
Universal additives (“Stage Transmission” produced by XADO) which are supposed to have positive qualities of above mentioned types of additives. The positive effect of many additives in most cases turns out to be short-dated and may be useful for more profitable car selling.


4)
Fluids for washing automatic transmissions (usually products of such brands as "Lubegard" or "Hi-Gear"). These products are used before the oil change and help to wash out all wear products from the torque converter. On the other hand, usage of these fluids in significantly worn or damaged transmissions leads to clogging of the transmission with large worn-out components

Hth,

-Kevin