ok, i got my new trans done and 100 miles later my torque converter went bad. yes i do know its definatly the converter, and i have my new one ready to go in. i took my dipstick and got some trans fluid dipped on a clear piece of plastic to inspect it and it sure enough has some metal floating around in it.

now question is how should i go about putting in my new converter and not getting what metal is in there mixed up into the converter? i work at a lincoln/merc dealer so i do have access to a trans flush machine, i was thinking ill drain the pan and clean the filter out with brake cleaner, remove the bad converter and put the new one in, put the pan back on and imediately flush the transmission with my flush machine. then let it circulate some more maybe take it on a 5 mile drive and then drain the pan again and change out the filter for a new one?

thanks for suggestions im just kinda not sure what to do exactly.

 

Maybe someone with more knowledge will chime in but I was under the impression once the TC went and metal shavings have been circulated in the trans it pretty much does the tranny in.
You very well might get away with installing the converter and immediatly flushing it but I would not be surprised if you have issues with the tranny.

 

Now I'm no trans expert but I do know hydraulic valves. And there's a ton of valves in there. I wouldn't even chance it. It only takes one little scrap to score a valve bore or wreck havok on on an O-ring. Take it to the trans shop and have them totally disassemble it and clean out everything or you WILL regret it later.

 

thanks for the advice guys.

i think im just gonna try to put it together and flush it and change the fluid and filter. i just had this thing built and the car will also be gone in 2 weeks if my deal doesnt fall thru so fuggit.

the only thing i thought it could hurt is the valvebody, but youre right it could scratch the bores up and probally schorch the drums. but it is a very little bit of metal its no like chunks or anything because i noticed it making noise and immediatly drove home.

i think it will work, hell i didnt even think about it but ive had cars come into work with the converters bad and they were UNGODLY loud and had been driven for thousands of miles and had metal everywhere and put in a new one and do a trans flush and a filter and have never had a comeback yet.

 

If you are going to replace the torque converter, and want the least chance of having to rebuild your unit. Replave the external cooler if you have one, and change the fluid in the transmission & replace the filter. Put 1 quart of fluid in the TC, bolt everything up, then add five quarts to the transmission, start engine, add the necessary amount to fill it up, all the while leaving it in park (do not shift it thru the gears), let run about 15 minutes, recheck fluid level, add what is necessary, check TV cable for correct adjustment. Now start to run it thru the gears, and take it for a test drive, & shift it manually for about 10 miles driving it easily to see if everything is ok, recheck fluid level & start to drive normally, if everything seems to be ok, you might have beaten the odds, if not, time for a rebuild.

 

In my opinion the tranny should come out and be rebuilt. Also, sorry to be a wet blanket. But if you sell this car without disclosing that the tranny is in probable "self destruct mode" you are being unethical at best. And in some states there is probably a legal requirement to disclose a known problem like that.

Rich

 

Yeah, that would be some Fu@&*$ up s#$t if you sell it to a person unknowingly

A friend of mine just bought a 99 LS1 and not 2 months after buying it, driving it only a few times ( not daily driver at all ) the trans and stall are now toast. He has the tranny at a shop now dumping another couple of hard earned grand into it! Its just not fair!

I know you dont want to hear it but just think if it were you.

Now I take all that back if you were just turning the car in or something but damn?