New transmission goes nowhere

[davepl]

I had my 200-4R rebuilt for my restoration. I ran the truck for a minute or two yesterday but when I put it in gear there was no "thunk" and even though the wheels were in the air and can be turned by hand, they didn't turn.

I think I only have 4.5 quarts of oil in it right now. I'd hope, but do not know, if they filled the converter at the transmission shop.

What should I do at this point? Add more fluid? I'm not sure what all needs to be done with a new, dry, automatic transmission.

[hugger6933]

That trans with a new converter should be on the side of 12 quarts of oil on a fresh rebuild. Four and a half quarts is not gonna be enough to get everything wet much less get the converter to working. I wouldn't run it very long until I put some more oil in that tranny. Jim

[zeldman]

Originally Posted by hugger6933

That trans with a new converter should be on the side of 12 quarts of oil on a fresh rebuild. Four and a half quarts is not gonna be enough to get everything wet much less get the converter to working. I wouldn't run it very long until I put some more oil in that tranny. Jim

Exactly. Fill it up and try again.

[davepl]

Thanks. This table says 6 plus the converter. Mine's a little undersized (2500 stall or so) so I'm going to guess it's a 10" without looking, which would be another 3.

So I take it I'm safe to put 9 total in it, try it, and report back?

[trac209]

Why would they not tell you if fliud was added and how much you'll need is not a good sign they are a competent shop IMHO. And secondly if you don't see any on the dipstick you don't have enough in there. Add a litre or quart at a time until you start to see some registering on the dipstick. When you do test fluid level in drive with a helper of course. To add this if this aspect is troubling you your best bet is to have them set up the tv cable before you drive this around,or have somebody to help you. Otherwise you'll burn the trans up in no time.

[davepl]

I though the dipstick was only useful while the engine (and hence trans pump) was running. Can I really use it as a rudimentary fill check?

I've set this same trans up in a couple of different cars and have managed to get the TV cable right; I measured the linkage mount distance from the pivot point. I don't know if its smart, but I err on the side of "too much TV pull" and go back a notch or two from there. I believe its lack of pressure that burns up transmissions. I think.

[trac209]

Originally Posted by davepl

I though the dipstick was only useful while the engine (and hence trans pump) was running. Can I really use it as a rudimentary fill check?

I've set this same trans up in a couple of different cars and have managed to get the TV cable right; I measured the linkage mount distance from the pivot point. I don't know if its smart, but I err on the side of "too much TV pull" and go back a notch or two from there. I believe its lack of pressure that burns up transmissions. I think.

Yes use dipstick to check rudimentary level

[davepl]

Thanks for the help so far, gentlemen. I added two more quarts for a total of 7. It then read a little over full. Started it up and it then acted normally.

Good thing I did it up in the air, my brakes wouldn't hold the rear wheels. At this late state it seems to be fix one thing, find two other things wrong.

I'm using Royal Purple MAX ATF synthetic. No idea if pricier fluid is really worth more. I also have the factory rad cooler in series with a plate cooler.

If anyone else is reading along in the future, note that the 200-4R lines are reversed (pressure v return) from the TH400 and pretty much all of the other transmissions I've seen.

Q: What is the correct way to read the trans fluid? In drive once warmed up? Or cold?

[volksworld]

neutral warmed up

[LockDoc]

-
Everything I have read says 15 miles or 15 minutes to warm the trans up to operating temperature. My 2004r shows about 1/8" of fluid on the end of the stick when full and cold.....

LockDoc

[davepl]

I had 1/8" of fluid when it didn't run (turn the wheels, I mean). I'm probably overfull now but better than under. Once I can drive it I'll get it warmed up and probably have to syphon some out, I'm guessing.

[69chevytrucker]

Originally Posted by davepl

Thanks for the help so far, gentlemen. I added two more quarts for a total of 7. It then read a little over full. Started it up and it then acted normally.

Good thing I did it up in the air, my brakes wouldn't hold the rear wheels. At this late state it seems to be fix one thing, find two other things wrong.

I'm using Royal Purple MAX ATF synthetic. No idea if pricier fluid is really worth more. I also have the factory rad cooler in series with a plate cooler.

If anyone else is reading along in the future, note that the 200-4R lines are reversed (pressure v return) from the TH400 and pretty much all of the other transmissions I've seen.

Q: What is the correct way to read the trans fluid? In drive once warmed up? Or cold?

should say right on the dip stick mine says check fluid level hot in park
look

[69chevytrucker]

says this check in park trans hot engine idle vehicle level

[litew8]

"I think I only have 4.5 quarts of oil in it right now. I'd hope, but do not know, if they filled the converter at the transmission shop." Well, that's just scary. And FWIW - it's Fluid, not Oil. Ideally you want to add trans fluid to the converter before installing it. Then, add fluid directly via the dipstick tube, and finish up while running/idle. From what I remember, you have a specified amount of time to add the remaining fluid necessary. Yes, check fluid level when hot/idle. After adding, you should run through all gears (at a standstill) a few times to help circulate throughout.

[MARKDTN]

Also be sure you hook up your TV cable immediately if you haven't done it yet. You can fry a 200R4 or a 700R4 in very short order if the TV cable is not hooked up and adjusted properly.