Torque converter fluid? - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

Mt Man Chad · 02-14-2007, 06:39 PM

I am getting close to putting the motor in my truck, and was going to drain the transmission fluid out of the torque converter.

I replaced the filter and gasket in the transmission the fluid was clean that came out. I'm closing in on starting the engine and running the trans that has been sitting for 12 years.

What is the trick to changing all the fluid out of the converter and filling before startup and how much should I put in....

fastwillie 696969 · 02-14-2007, 06:55 PM

i would just buy a new torque converter myself why put something thats been sitting around 12 years with old fluid

**SactoJim** · 02-14-2007, 07:39 PM

The only way I have ever heard of doing it was to drill a small hole in the torque converter and drain all the dirty fluid out. Then take an aluminum pop rivet and some silicone and seal it back up. I've only heard this and never attempted this feat myself.

RACINJASON22 · 02-14-2007, 09:19 PM

no help here ttt

1968SWBBigBlock · 02-14-2007, 09:27 PM

Pull the torque converter and turn it upside down so the snout it facing down and poor the oil out, in much the same manner you would pour water out of a tire, round and round we go when we stop no one knows.
To fill it just turn the converter onto its back and pour the fluid into the snout. When you put the converter back onto the input shaft you need to make sure that it seats correctly. This is done by slowly spinning the converter until it "falls" back into a pair of engaging slots. If you do not do this your truck will not drive when you get all done. If you have not gone thru the tranny and it has been sitting for 12 years I would freshin it up and yes maybe spending the $$$ for a new TC might be money well spent

KFreddy · 02-14-2007, 10:09 PM

You flush it by pouring in new fluid giving it a gentle swirl for a few moments then pour out what you can, repeat a few times. You will see by the color of the fluid when it is flushed out. However a new converter and dropping the pan of the tranny would be the better way to go about it. Aluminum pop rivets and silicon + heat = really bad idea, though a 3/8" bit on my dewalt gives great labotomys...

-Fred

GREASEMONKEY72 · 02-15-2007, 04:39 AM

id say just get a new TC to, better safe than sorry, but i wouldnt flush the tranny to much because ive heard a flush can do more help than good, but it might not be a bad idea to have it checked out at a trans shop since its been sitting for so long, just a thought

Schralper · 02-16-2007, 01:18 PM

Buy a new converter.
If it's been sitting that long it's just waiting to let some **** loose.

**WorkinLonghorn** · 02-16-2007, 01:35 PM

I used to be (successfully) in the transmission business. What 68swbbigblock says is good advice but I'll add some extra; If that tranny has been sitting around for 12 years I'd have it gone through. I don't know what if any budget limitations you have,but the main problem that effects a transmission is hardening of the seals,which in turn cause friction surfaces to slip and "burn".I just would not want that trans in my truck as-is.Contamination is a major culprit too.Usually around here you can get a "bench" rebuild (no R+R,just bring yours in) for very reasonable amount.

Myself · 02-16-2007, 03:22 PM

I just dealt with this last summer. The trans was unused for about 4 years. The fluid looked good but I changed it anyway. After about 25 miles large pieces of clutch material were falling off. I was told the glue that holds the clutch material to the plate is water based. The oil won't hurt it but moisture from sitting too long will break down the glue. You might as well just go ahead and rebuild it.

02-14-2007, 06:39 PM	#1
Mt Man Chad Registered User Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Oakridge Oregon Posts: 1,865	Torque converter fluid? I am getting close to putting the motor in my truck, and was going to drain the transmission fluid out of the torque converter. I replaced the filter and gasket in the transmission the fluid was clean that came out. I'm closing in on starting the engine and running the trans that has been sitting for 12 years. What is the trick to changing all the fluid out of the converter and filling before startup and how much should I put in.... __________________ 68 CST SWB - Gold/White 50th anniversary /TH350/Buddy Buckets/3.73 Posi/dogdish caps. 68 K10 Burb - Gold/White 327/SM465/NP205/3.73 "Daa Burb" build thread

02-14-2007, 06:55 PM	#2
fastwillie 696969 ~Rest In Peace~ Join Date: May 2005 Location: CALIFORNIA NOR CAL Posts: 9,707	Re: Torque converter fluid? i would just buy a new torque converter myself why put something thats been sitting around 12 years with old fluid __________________ is it fast ? it has a lighting bolt donut? B___H please, I can remove 90% of your so called "beauty" with a kleenex

02-14-2007, 07:39 PM	#3
SactoJim Registered User Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Sacramento, CA Posts: 1,970	Re: Torque converter fluid? The only way I have ever heard of doing it was to drill a small hole in the torque converter and drain all the dirty fluid out. Then take an aluminum pop rivet and some silicone and seal it back up. I've only heard this and never attempted this feat myself. __________________ 72 Cheyenne SWB Fleet Nut & bolt frame off in progress...99.9999% - supercharged 383 - 4 wheel discs - relocated fuel tank - My Build Thread

02-14-2007, 09:19 PM	#4
RACINJASON22 GEARHEAD Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: CENTRAL,PA Posts: 2,284	Re: Torque converter fluid? no help here ttt __________________ 72 SWB 2WD MY PROJECT 72 LWB 4X4 FUTURE PROJECT SUBSCRIBE HEREBOARD VENDORS HERE NORWOOD MEET SURVIVOR!

02-14-2007, 09:27 PM	#5
1968SWBBigBlock Active Member Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Ohio Posts: 1,643	Re: Torque converter fluid? Pull the torque converter and turn it upside down so the snout it facing down and poor the oil out, in much the same manner you would pour water out of a tire, round and round we go when we stop no one knows. To fill it just turn the converter onto its back and pour the fluid into the snout. When you put the converter back onto the input shaft you need to make sure that it seats correctly. This is done by slowly spinning the converter until it "falls" back into a pair of engaging slots. If you do not do this your truck will not drive when you get all done. If you have not gone thru the tranny and it has been sitting for 12 years I would freshin it up and yes maybe spending the $$$ for a new TC might be money well spent __________________ 1968 SWB 454 + .040, 490HP x 540 FT pounds of Torque 10-1 Kb Forged pistons, recon rods w/ ARP wave loc bolts 781 heads Ported with 2.19/1.88 SSTvalves Lunati 60204 cam, Micro Trol lifters, Ported Edelbrock Performer Rpm manifold armor coated, Pertronix Triple Strike Ignition Holley 770 Street Avenger carb,Headers armor coated Built by Watson Ruppel Performance in Sarahsville Ohio. Hardshift Tranny Built Turbo 350,TSI 10" 3000 stall 12 Bolt Eaton Posi 4.10 Richmond Gears moser axles 18.5" x 31" Hoosier Pro Street Radials ET Classic 5 Wheels - polished Power Steering, Power Brakes,Disc Brakes,Tach & Gauge Dash, Tilt,Factory Air (gone) Custom Paint & Body Work Special thanks to my wife, my son and my money tree

02-14-2007, 10:09 PM	#6
KFreddy Active Member Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Miami, Florida Posts: 286	Re: Torque converter fluid? You flush it by pouring in new fluid giving it a gentle swirl for a few moments then pour out what you can, repeat a few times. You will see by the color of the fluid when it is flushed out. However a new converter and dropping the pan of the tranny would be the better way to go about it. Aluminum pop rivets and silicon + heat = really bad idea, though a 3/8" bit on my dewalt gives great labotomys... -Fred

02-15-2007, 04:39 AM	#7
GREASEMONKEY72 Registered User Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Bakersfield,CA Posts: 7,893	Re: Torque converter fluid? id say just get a new TC to, better safe than sorry, but i wouldnt flush the tranny to much because ive heard a flush can do more help than good, but it might not be a bad idea to have it checked out at a trans shop since its been sitting for so long, just a thought __________________ -steven Alte Seele S.S. "Allison" '72 C/10 LWB 350SB/TH350 - DD PITBULL IS NOT A CRIME

02-16-2007, 01:18 PM	#8
Schralper Registered User Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Orygun Posts: 169	Re: Torque converter fluid? Buy a new converter. If it's been sitting that long it's just waiting to let some **** loose.

02-16-2007, 01:35 PM	#9
WorkinLonghorn Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Studio City, Calif. Posts: 2,861	Re: Torque converter fluid? I used to be (successfully) in the transmission business. What 68swbbigblock says is good advice but I'll add some extra; If that tranny has been sitting around for 12 years I'd have it gone through. I don't know what if any budget limitations you have,but the main problem that effects a transmission is hardening of the seals,which in turn cause friction surfaces to slip and "burn".I just would not want that trans in my truck as-is.Contamination is a major culprit too.Usually around here you can get a "bench" rebuild (no R+R,just bring yours in) for very reasonable amount. __________________ '69 GMC C2500 Custom Camper, 8 1/2' bed, New GM 350, NP 435 Close Ratio 4spd. Trans., 3.73 Dana-60 open.Camper and Trailer wiring, PS, PB, AC, tach , three gas tanks, 2nd owner, Work-Truck supreme. Best $300 I ever spent.

02-16-2007, 03:22 PM	#10
Myself Registered User Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Northern Arkansas Posts: 1,131	Re: Torque converter fluid? I just dealt with this last summer. The trans was unused for about 4 years. The fluid looked good but I changed it anyway. After about 25 miles large pieces of clutch material were falling off. I was told the glue that holds the clutch material to the plate is water based. The oil won't hurt it but moisture from sitting too long will break down the glue. You might as well just go ahead and rebuild it.



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