1987 Silverado V10 from the frozen north

[nbarr7]

So after connecting my brand new RH tank setup directly to the send/return gas lines, I started the truck. I thought instead of typing everything out, I'd just make a quick video of it, that way you all can see what I'm talking about more easily than trying to explain it

https://youtu.be/Q7WcPpBzI2c


-if it's germane in any way, it was brought to my attention that in the oh... 7-8 times I've started it these last 4 months, I've never really driven it over 10 mph, nor revved it above maybe 2-2.5k rpm. I don't think old gunk not being burned would smoke this much at every startup, but hey... there is probably years of crap in there that hasn't truly been blown out.

[wz7u]

Isn't YT great? Thanks for putting that up, it does help to see whats going on.

As far as the steam in the exhaust, it did seem to get better the longer it idles, but in order to flash off all the condensate in the exhaust, it needs to be driven for a while to get the exhaust up to temp. If after that it steams some more, a coolant blow by test would be a good idea. IMO.

[JohnnyPopper]

Yes the white smoke is just condensation of water in your exhaust. Normal especially in that cold weather.

When she's up to temp, as in having driven her for 5 miles, you should not see it.

If you do, as wz stated, start looking for the problem. Compression test would be first, at least for me.

[nbarr7]

Thanks for allaying fears regarding the smoke. I very much appreciate the expertise here. I am working on another video now that I'm doing test drives down the road - I installed a manual temp gauge finally too. However, the Transmission is acting up, and I don't appear to have atf on the stick at idle in neutral. Do I need to top off with some form of Dextron then? I do have a quart of valvoline dex/merc but not sure if that's right.

[Shifty]

Dexron 1 and 2 were superceded by dex/merc. 

[nbarr7]

Got it. Ok, well Napa says I need Dex 6, so I'll figure something out and report results this weekend

[JohnnyPopper]

Why not change the filter and fluid while you're at it?

Especially if it is brown or smells burned.

Keep them clean and they last a long time...

[nbarr7]

Yes, changing filter and fluid was suggested by a friend. I guess my only hesitation is once again, it's below zero degrees Farenheit this morning, and I have to work on it outside as I only have a woodshop at this point. If it warms up, perhaps that's the direction I'll go. Just having a hard time waiting to drive it down the road ha. Napa says Dex 6 is what is listed. Is that what you all would use?

[Shifty]

Dex III/Merc is fine.  Dex VI is over double the price, and not necessary for a square,

[nbarr7]

It's been a little bit, but with the coming of March in the northland, warmer temperatures and sun have also returned, allowing me to get back to prioritizing the silverado. I had the good fortune to be the recipient of the benevolence of a local mechanic who helped me over a hurdle with a starting issue, and also made actual progress. However, at this point it seems every point of understanding gained comes with another point of the unknown, and my transmission is acting in ways I was not expecting it to act and it is with this in mind I'll provide another video update, vlog style, so you call can see and hear how things are:

https://youtu.be/pt0riMV_JOw

[frotosride]

Watching the video gives me a good bit of insight to your frame of mind. Now I'm not saying it's off but I'd like to point out the white stuff that's everywhere. Sir, that's is not indicative of 'warm weather'.
Glad the engine is running. That temp sensor you put in near the thermostat housing as you stated is very important for the TBI ECM as you now know.
I would speculate that you have a 700-r4 transmission but you need to check to be positive. It's the only way to help you as much as we can.

[frotosride]

Here are some pan images that are the most common. The shapes are what give them away. Sometimes the hardest are distinguishing the modern transmissionsfrom it's grandfather th700-r4 and th400. Close attention to the oil pan is key.

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[nbarr7]

It appears based on your photos that this is the 700r4, no?

I have always been in 2 high, but realized my front hubs were locked for 4wd - put it in 4hi today to get into the garage (icy driveway for one wheel) and it worked as is. Not sure that makes any difference but it's another point of reference.

I also believe I am missing back brakes. That's obviously further down the road.

[nbarr7]

The passenger side (aside from being filthy) does have some wiring that looks... somewhat compromised. Not sure what's what here, but here are photos. It goes without saying I'm not driving the truck right now with the trans like this - only idle speed around my driveway

[frotosride]

Thanks for the pics, there a several shifting issues we can try and address but after seeing those pics there's one specific one lingering in my mind. Where's the trans fluid you were missing? It's obvious that it didn't leak out. I suspect it may have leaked into the transferase. You can verify this by parking on a level surface or jacking the truck up on stands to make it level. Put a catch under the rear of the transferase and take out the fill plug. You will likely get a little fluid out but If it poor's out then the transferase input seal is bad and it explains the loss of fluid without external leakage.

The fear here is the low trans fluid may have burned some clutches or hopefully you just have some stiction issues within the valve body and or governor. As already recommended, get a new filter, gasket and fluid and replace a quart of trans fluid with Lucas trans additive. I have had great success with this. I'm sure there will be other recommendations for you as well.
The hard clunk you experience is often the anti clunk spring. This isn't a simple repair and requires tearing down the transmission and removing the center section. It is a common problem but a small issue compared to everything else right hopefully it is still in one piece and not rubbing on the case.

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