I bought a used th350 transmission to replace the one I have which has no reverse. I decided rather than try and rebuild it, this would be quicker. It is going into a 1983 Buick Regal Wagon. I pulled the pan on my used one (while it was upside down, if that makes a difference). Here are a few questions as I don't know too much about automatics. 1) The fluid that was inside was just barely off-red, more like a red-burgundy. Is that OK? There was no burnt smell that I hear people talking about. Side by side, it smells the same as new fluid 2) There were no flakes except for two tiny black ones about the size of a pin head. Don't know what they were made of, but they did not break up when rolled between my fingers. 3) The filter appeard clean, although I will replace it. I guess I should replave the front and rear seals while I have it out. 4) There was the slightest coating of grey "stuff" coating the pan. I guess it is powdered metal. It was about as thick as a light layer of paint. I could see the metal pan through it. I could clean it all out easily with one paper towel. I guess I should expect some. Is this bad? 5) Finally, the one in the car has a lockup converter, this on does not (it is from an 82. Is there any reaason this won't work? I have the converter with the used tranny, BTW Is there anything else I should do or look for while I have the tranny out of the car? Any help is greatly appreciated. Walter
I'm no Trans expert... but I see no problems with the amount of pan debris as this is obviously a budget project(As are many of mine). I too would just replace the filter and use to convertor that came with the trans. I'm not sure of what you will run into with the new stuff. Maybe a SES light because the lock up won't be hooked up, maybe nothing. Try it and let us know what you run into. Good Luck!
definitely change the front and rear seals now while its out. They're cheap and easy to install. I'd put a new o-ring on the dipstick tube too.
That's a good idea about the oil dipstick. Also, There was a remnant of a liner inside the slot in the shift bracket on the transmission. Should there be something there?
after u install the o-ring and insert dipstick/filler tube , apply a little r/v silicone sealant around the base to a seal it .
Andy, The bracket I am talking about is not shown here. It would attach to PN 80 outside the transmission. The rod going up to the column shifter would then attach to it. Is there a trick to removing the front seal? Should there be any side play in the spined output shaft? The original and the used tranny I am going to replace it with both have about 1/16-1/8" side play. Thanks for the diagram, BTW. Walter
I think the liner you're talking about was a plastic bushing. I don't know where to look for a new one though. Maybe your junkyard might have one? Maybe go down to a good transmission shop, not a chain, and ask? You can do without it but the linkage will be sloppy.
