View Full Version : fluid woes with TH350


LA68GH
Dec 20th, 05, 01:11 PM
I just installed a TH350 tranny with re-man torque converter. With car in neutral after warm-up fluid is 1 qt low. I add 1/2 quart then check fluid, the level is way above full I'm talking 2qts? Any advice on this issue will be appreciated. Fluid drips out of tranny when this happens.

67 Plum
Dec 20th, 05, 01:51 PM
Where is the fluid coming from?What dipstick and tube do you have stock or chrome?

Everett#2390
Dec 20th, 05, 03:15 PM
Like 67 suggested, is the fluid from the dipstick fill tube? If its chrome, it will never seal correctly.

I suggest getting a Hughes dipstck assembly from Summit Racing. I bought one and it fits well, even has the 2nd design seal for a better seal than an O-ring.

Your present dipstick may be too short or not marked correctly. Usually, when one drops the pan and adds oil later, it will take four quarts to bring it close to full, generally.

Brian Lewis
Dec 20th, 05, 03:54 PM
Also measure your fluid level in DRIVE with the emergency brake on and preferably someone stepping on the brake if possible. You drive your transmission in Drive, thus you want to measure the fluid level while in Drive, not Park or Neutral.

LA68GH
Dec 21st, 05, 06:59 AM
its an original tube and stick. cant tell exactly where fluid is coming from. still looking. seems i can't get the right amount of fluid in the tranny

Everett#2390
Dec 21st, 05, 08:26 AM
Look underneath to see where the fluid is coming from. Could be the cooling tubes fittings not tight or cross threaded.

Still might be the interface between the fill tube and case. Replace the O-ring and lube it with ATF when installing. Or where the throttle cable enters the case on the pass side. The retainer is plastic sealed with an O-ring. If plastic retainer bolt boss is broke, cable will not seal correctly. Could also be a torn seal where the torque convertor joins the oil pump.

mgt999
Dec 21st, 05, 08:43 AM
I have always checked trans fluid by first letting it warm up, go through all the gears (low, 2nd, etc.) put in neutral, reverse, then park - check. Checking it in while in gear with the parking break on sounds a bit dangerous to me.....and I have never heard that one before.

Go69
Dec 21st, 05, 08:54 AM
You MUST check the fluid with the engine idling while in PARK! Do not check it in any other gear as you will get a LOW reading, then you add fluid & you will be OVER FULL! If you have added too much fluid, it is possible that the transmission is spitting the fluid out of the vent up on top.

Please, go back and check it with the engine idling, on a flat level surface, with the transmission in PARK with the parking brake set. If you are over full, you will need to drain off some of the fluid (suction it out of the dipstick tube if you have the right equipment) to get it down to where it is supposed to be on the dipstick.

After getting the level down to where it is supposed to be, spray the transmission with engine degreaser (external surfaces only). You want all of the spilled fluid removed. Then rinse with water till you are sure there is no fluid left on the outside of the transmission. Then go and drive it. After driving, then check it for leaks.
Trying to check it for leaks before cleaning/driving it will not help you pinpoint any leaks.

LA68GH
Dec 21st, 05, 01:38 PM
thanks guys lots of good advice. Will let yall know how it comes out