transmission problem/question

[gbodypontiacgp]

well, its not really a g-body specific question, but, i picked up a 77 buick lesabre today, its been sitting for about 4 years, i got it fired up, put it in gear and it felt like the car wanted to move, but it didnt because of locked up rear brake drums, and low trans fluid, after all was said and done, i did a few other things, topped off the trans fluid, and now the only gear i have is reverse, i drove it around in reverse for a while thinking that by warming the trans up it might free up the internals in the trans, but no luck, afterwards i noticed transmission fluid leaking out while the car was running, it wasnt a drip but more or less a pour, so, i come to find out i have a broken transmission line, but pretty much what im wondering is, would a bad transmission line make the car not move forward, because of the transmission losing line pressure, or is the trans screwed, but it did move forward when it was low on fluid, but not now, the transmission is a thm350

 

[franknitticutlass]

To answer your question. YES. I have a quite similar experience. I had an 81 Malibu pretty fast 305/ 350 trans. i drove it for a week after I got it and one day my car started to lose power slowly while driving. It felt like my trans was gone. All of a sudden the car stopped. I got out and popped the hood. WOW. trans fluid was spraying every way it could. It was spraying from the line connecting to the radiator. It left a giant puddle where it sat. I got new lines the next day and I was back on the road flying again!! Just get a new line and youll be good.

 

[madmaxstyle]

when an automatic looses fluid it slips and eventually burns itself out.
Yes it will slip terribly if its low on fluid. If it does that with a full jag of fluid the transmission is damaged. If it only does that when its low it should be OK if you dont let it run low and slip anymore. These chevy trannys are tough so a couple of times in the danger zone shouldn't wreck it, but I've lost 2 transmission's due to running out of fluid. One was the infamous TH400. :shock:

Isnt a 77 Buick LaSabre a G Body? I guess I mean an A Body but same difference?

 

[gbodypontiacgp]

well technically a lesabre is a b-body, same as a caprice, but i think its weird that the car wanted too move with no fluid, then after i filled it, it didnt want too move, any comments on that?

 

[pontiacgp]

if it's leaking that bad from the cooling line how do expect the pump in the transmission to build up any pressure? Why don't you repair the line then you'll have your answer whether it works or not. The other thing you might want to check is the vacuum line to the modulator on the transmission.

 

[gbodypontiacgp]

well, i fixed the transmission line, i still have reverse, and reverse works damn good, but no forward gears, so im pretty sure the trans is junk, so now on to the next question, anyone got a working BOP th350 thats close to wisconsin?

 

[pontiacgp]

I would try another modular and check the filter to make sure it's in place and not plugged before I gave up

 

[gbodypontiacgp]

so, i checked out the modualtor on the trans, replaced it, still no forward gears, ive done some research, and come to the conclusion that the forward clutch pack is burnt out, the fluid was dark when i got the car, but if anyone has a BOP th350 they want to sell, and are near wisconsin, let me know, i'd like to get this car back on the road before theres snow on the ground

 

[Oldsmoletick]

Why don't you rebuild the one you have? A new stock converter will run you a bout $100, rebuild kit at $100, then you'll have a fresh start, rather than taking a chance on another used maybe half worn out transmission. Rebuilds on these are very simple, just pick up the gm transmission revbuild manual put out by haynes, it takes you through it fairly clearly.

 

[High Roller]

Transmission

$250, I have a working '69 Olds longshaft TH350 that'll work for it, in West St. Paul, MN