After installing a generic transmission filter from Autozone in my TH400, it began making a strange noise. (click on this thread to read about it: http://www.v8buick.com/showthread.php?p=547677#post547677 ) I cleaned up an original AC filter I had saved and installed it in the car, and the noise disappeared completely. I had that happen to me once before with a NAPA filter, it was a similar sound. All I can say is that in this day and age, we must carefully scrutinize everything we buy for our cars. The quality of the aftermarket parts is almost always questionable when a low selling price seems to be the most important thing to manufacturers these days. Here's a photo of the box it came in:
Here's a side by side photo of an original AC PF-160 filter and a replacement NAPA filter like one that once caused trouble for me in the past. Notice the crappy welds on the neck: (the aftermarket filter is the one on the bottom)
The filters in the photo are from a '65-'67 SP trans. I had actually switched to the later style filter and pan, ('68 and up) but since it caused problems for me I had to change it back to the original one. I hear they make the later style filter with a screen instead of paper, but I couldn't find one. The parts guys acted like I was from a different planet when I asked for a screen type late model filter so screw it. I'll hoard a few early ones later. :af:
Joe, I installed one of the screened filters in my trans. Got it from a friend. I think Allison makes them. Not sure if they are still available.
I believe it was paper, rayon, or something, not metal. I'm trying to search for Allison filters, but they seem to make alot of spin on or cannister filters for fleet vehicles.
Guys, The paper style filter is called "Dacron" if my memory is correct. Not all of them are bad, just sometimes it happens. Luck of the draw, I guess. Have used them in the past with no problem, but other have had problems from time to time. The metal screen filter is for the Allison transmission and is the same for later TH400's. A tranny supply shop should be able to get them. Your local AZ or Advance Auto won't have a clue in Hades what you are talking about. Recently, I just asked for a TH400 filter at Carquest and got the metal screen filter in the box. Again, I don't think the parts jocky had a clue what would arrive. So, you may want to order one from Carquest and see what you get. I wouldn't be afraid of the dacron filters. If you hear noise like Joe did, then it has to be replaced. The tank filters (64- early 67) supposedly had a bypass system in them, or at least they did at one time. If it becomes restricted, then unfiltered fluid would circulate and contaminate the trans and converter. I read this somewhere (perhaps in the Ron Sessions book) and have avoided them (my preference). They are also harder to get and more expensive than the flat filters. One more question for Joe, was the filter pipe plastic or metal? If plastic, there is a chance it had a hair line crack in it that wasn't visible and was causing the air leak and noise. If metal, then I would wholey suspect it was a faulty filter. Glad you got things worked out. :TU: Mark
It was metal. And I'm certain the "O" ring was not leaking. When I get some time in the next few weeks I may try one of those filters with the screen in it if I can find one. :bglasses:
Joe: Are you saying you switched back to your original VB and filter or did you put an old style filter and pan on the newer (68+) VB? Rick
I used the newer valve body.......that was OK. It was the old style filter and pan that I had to put back on. The newer style filter is what was causing the noise. :bglasses:
