Thread: what can I do?

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I just picked up a 63 390 with a cruis-o-matic bolted to it. The tranny in my 58 ford is leaking fluid terribly. I am thinking about putting the trans I just got into it. Is there anything I can do to find out if it is a good tranny before installing it. Sorry if this is a dumb question. I can take one out and put one in but other than that I am tranny illiterate. Anybody have any suggestions?

Originally Posted by 58fairlane500

I just picked up a 63 390 with a cruis-o-matic bolted to it. The tranny in my 58 ford is leaking fluid terribly. I am thinking about putting the trans I just got into it. Is there anything I can do to find out if it is a good tranny before installing it. Sorry if this is a dumb question. I can take one out and put one in but other than that I am tranny illiterate. Anybody have any suggestions?

Pull the pan and see how much sludge is there, the color of it and if there is any sign of metal particles. Any oil should be fairly clear, tho pinkish in color and not smell like burned insulation(drain the torque converter for a sample if the trans is empty otherwise - needs to be done anyhow). If everything is ok, put a new filter in it along with the CORRECT oil, which, I believe is Type F or FA. There are other ATF's that will work, but someone with more experience needs to recommend what (I only use the recommended ATF - Valvoline usually - in my C4 trannys ). Other then taking it apart, not much else can be done - tho a shift kit could be considered if you can find one.

It also could just be the seal behind the torque converter or seal at the tail shaft or pan gasket. or a loose cooler line (you didn't say where it was coming from). If the tranny works good, it's as much work to fix the leak, as it is to open the other and still not know till you put it back in.

I would just fix the leaks on the one thats in. as long as it works good. You can get the gaskets and seals & filter for it. You would still need the same parts for to put the other in also.

Pat

I agree with hemi clean the trans while it is in the car as good as you can. Add fluid start engine check for leaks. It is about that easy. Good luck

thanks guys I will check for leaks on mine and tear into the other just to see what it looks like.