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73-87 Chevy _ GMC Trucks => Engine/Drivetrain => Topic started by: philo_beddoe on August 28, 2015, 11:38:16 am

Title: Tranny fluid capacity!! Help..
Post by: philo_beddoe on August 28, 2015, 11:38:16 am
Just did a tranny tune up, first time. THM 400, about 8.5 pints came out, checked it while it was warm BEFORE the tune up and barely had a reading. Just put 8 new pints in and barely have a reading. Is this right? Should I keep adding a little at a time?   The service manual and Chilton's calls for 7.5 pints.  Can someone make some sense of this??

I know like 22 pints is FULL capacity, is it possible more than the "tune up" amount came out??  Thanks,,

PS. Looks like the factory pan and dip stick.
Title: Re: Tranny fluid capacity!! Help..
Post by: outlaw70nova on August 28, 2015, 01:39:12 pm
If it's not pouring out on the floor just keep adding until it's full.
Title: Re: Tranny fluid capacity!! Help..
Post by: philo_beddoe on August 28, 2015, 01:57:04 pm
Huh...that's what the turbo hydramatic engineer said when I called the GM factory. Thanks!
Title: Re: Tranny fluid capacity!! Help..
Post by: Dr_Snooz on August 28, 2015, 09:59:52 pm
That's what I did with mine too. LOL. The manual specs 4 qts for a filter service and when I got to like 6 or 7 I was getting nervous. I kept filling and looking under the truck and eventually it came out right.
Title: Re: Tranny fluid capacity!! Help..
Post by: Irish_Alley on August 29, 2015, 10:03:12 am
something else to think about is the length of the dipstick tube and the dipstick itself. someone could of switched them out for the wrong transmission
Title: Re: Tranny fluid capacity!! Help..
Post by: philo_beddoe on August 29, 2015, 10:57:39 am
Dipstick tube is correct.  But get this, some guy posted on a chevelle forum the same issue.  He ended up putting in 7.5 qts.  I just put in another quart totalling 6, and am now getting a reading. I'm at the "add" level.  So,,,,i guess one more quart should be perfect. Plus i let drain for a couple hours anyway.  I guess we're just nervous about overfilling. Not having a drain plug and all. Why no drain plug, like the oilpan??
Title: Re: Tranny fluid capacity!! Help..
Post by: philo_beddoe on August 29, 2015, 10:59:42 am
Yup, same thing here dr snooz.  1 more qt will be 7.
Title: Re: Tranny fluid capacity!! Help..
Post by: Irish_Alley on August 29, 2015, 12:24:38 pm
cause trans fluid is supposed to last the lifetime of the trans 100k miles? the engine oil need to be changed more often and the filter is external. so in order to change the trans filter you have to drop the pan and this drains the fluid. from what i understand temp/heavy use is what kills the fluid and this intern kills the clutches.
but then again differentials dont have drain plugs either
Title: Re: Tranny fluid capacity!! Help..
Post by: philo_beddoe on August 29, 2015, 02:06:04 pm
Yes sir. You are correct.   
Title: Re: Tranny fluid capacity!! Help..
Post by: Dr_Snooz on August 29, 2015, 10:17:22 pm
In my case, I drained the trans on an incline. It crapped fluid all over the place when I loosened it. I've heard that sometimes the torque converter can drain too, so maybe that has something to do with it.
Title: Re: Tranny fluid capacity!! Help..
Post by: philo_beddoe on August 31, 2015, 09:32:10 pm
A local tranny shop said there is an over flow anyway, kind of lika a radiator.  I'm not sure about that until i see it. Regardless, we are good with continuing to add until we see a reading...even at 7 or 8 qts.   Full capacity on the th400's is like 12 qts.  It does make sense, like with anything...if you do enough research, the truth starts to appear.
Title: Tranny fluid capacity!! Help..
Post by: philo_beddoe on September 02, 2015, 08:34:18 am
Well, a half qt more and it reads full.  When cold it is at or just below the add mark, when hot it is just above the full mark. Will i be okay?
Title: Re: Tranny fluid capacity!! Help..
Post by: zieg85 on September 02, 2015, 09:13:21 am
Yes I believe the statement check when hot comes to mind.  Slightly over should be fine.
Title: Re: Tranny fluid capacity!! Help..
Post by: philo_beddoe on September 02, 2015, 09:17:18 am
Thanks!!!  Now i can sleep at night!   Next project: valve seals, which is just slightly above my ability.   
Title: Re: Tranny fluid capacity!! Help..
Post by: zieg85 on September 02, 2015, 12:45:44 pm
Thanks!!!  Now i can sleep at night!   Next project: valve seals, which is just slightly above my ability.

Piece of cake.  With a valve spring compressor and a compression gauge hose to keep the valves closed, easy peasy...
Title: Re: Tranny fluid capacity!! Help..
Post by: philo_beddoe on September 03, 2015, 07:38:32 am
Yeah right.! For you guys with big garages and lots of tools its a piece of cake. I have to work outside in the elements, it stinks.  Someday i'll have a shop, the time and tools for any job.  I am having a local shop do the seals tomorrow for 300.  Too bad you werent my neighbor, rather give you the job.
Title: Re: Tranny fluid capacity!! Help..
Post by: enaberif on September 03, 2015, 07:59:00 am
Yeah right.! For you guys with big garages and lots of tools its a piece of cake. I have to work outside in the elements, it stinks.  Someday i'll have a shop, the time and tools for any job.  I am having a local shop do the seals tomorrow for 300.  Too bad you werent my neighbor, rather give you the job.

Excuses! :D I rebuilt the top end of my motor over the winter outside with snow on tne ground!
Title: Re: Tranny fluid capacity!! Help..
Post by: philo_beddoe on September 03, 2015, 08:24:46 am
LOL!!  I know, I know...I'm a scared to get in over my head. Getting deep into the engine, electrical work and tranny work scares me.  I guess if my c-10 wasn't my primary vehicle it wouldn't be so bad.  The most I can do on an engine is intake manifold and carb.  Forget about cam shafts, heads, lifters, valves, etc, etc... My goal someday is to be able to hoist out an engine, rebuild it and put it back in.  That's the first thing I'm going to do when I retire, then take this c-10 for a full body restoration!  Then find me a 64 Impala SS and start over! Lord willing!

But for now, I just need valve seals, a dash pad, new window felt, rear bumper, spare tire carrier and exhaust manifolds with heat riser and upper and lower stove so I can connect to base of air cleaner assy.  Then,,,,i'll be ready for winter.
Title: Re: Tranny fluid capacity!! Help..
Post by: philo_beddoe on October 16, 2015, 09:46:54 pm
.....for winter.  Anyway- just spent over 1200 on parts. All that stuff i mentioned above...done!