74k20, 350/th350, np203.
So my Th350 trans decided to start shuttering/slipping/making noise. Got everything pulled out. Broken trans has lots of silver gunk built up on the bottom of pan, yet clutches looked good. BUT they were surprisingly dry. Guess the damage is farther in the trans behind the clutch pack. Guessing the trans was starving for fluid for some unknown reason.
Plan is to install a temporary used trans for now, then rebuild the broken trans to install with a new motor this winter. I did install some new gaskets, seals, and filter in the temp trans.
Few questions.
1) How can I flush and clean out the trans lines? I used my air compressor and only got out about a pint of fluid. I would have expected more to be stored in the radiator trans cooler. Unless it actually drained out during the removal. Can I use brake cleaner/carb cleaner, then lots of air again. Seems the trans flush cans are expensive, and I only want to do the lines not a whole trans. Bit concerned about the silver gunk.
2) Can I completely install the trans and fire the truck up and run through gears BEFORE installing the heavy PAIN NP203 t-case? Or does trans fluid come out the tail shaft area? Simple question, just not sure.
3) Is there a way to clean a torque converter? I'm choosing to use TC that was with the used trans, instead of the new-ish TC that was in front of the broken trans. I do NOT want that silver fluid to go through this trans. Besides I'm not sure if the TC isn't what went bad in the broken trans (NOT worth the chance). I also don’t want to buy a new stock TC, as I would like to match my future motor combo later this winter.
Thanks