TH350 does nothing when going into gear

[RangRayy]

My '87 has a non lockup TH350 and was pulled out over a year ago and went back in without any problems. Hooked everything up that we disconnected then and even went on a drive to make sure everything was copacetic. After we got the motor back in a few weeks ago and actually running on its own power, I hooked up my brake booster to the manifold and moved my car parked in front of the truck, because I wanted to move it finally after a year of sitting. Well put my foot on the brake and grabbed the gear shift lever and moved down to drive....and nothing happened. Thought it might be because I forgot to hook the modulator vacuum line to the manifold. Shut the truck off and make shifted a connection, that was not leaking, to the manifold port next to the pcv on the carburetor. Started back up and still nothing, not even the idle down when it goes into gear. Reverse lights light up but nothing moves.

What should I look at first or where do I begin? Will low fluid cause this? That is one thing I did not check because I was not thinking about that at the time. I fear of pulling the transmission out right after we just got the motor back in and mated up to the transmission.

 

[RangRayy]

well might have figured it out. after getting my exhaust buttoned up today I ran the engine up to operating temps and remembered to check the dipstick. no wonder it probably hasnt leaked with the new stick is bc theres no fluid on the dipstick. I suppose it leaked that much out when we pulled the motor last year. I didnt have any in the garage so I will attempt to fill it this weekend and see if that makes a difference.

 

[HotRodPC]

I was gonna say, check fluid first but if that was good, you didn't get the torque converter in synch with the pump gears during the install. So is it working now after adding some fluid? Since it wasn't moving, it usually doesn't hurt them to be without fluid like this.

 

[RangRayy]

I was gonna say, check fluid first but if that was good, you didn't get the torque converter in synch with the pump gears during the install. So is it working now after adding some fluid? Since it wasn't moving, it usually doesn't hurt them to be without fluid like this.

That's the next thing I'm afraid of having to check. I didn't have any extra fluid in the garage and couldnt go get any at the time. Okay I was worried that I might've fried the transmission with the engine running and revving on little fluid inside the case. I know there is some bc the converter never came off the transmission while the engine was out.

 

[HotRodPC]

That's the next thing I'm afraid of having to check. I didn't have any extra fluid in the garage and couldnt go get any at the time. Okay I was worried that I might've fried the transmission with the engine running and revving on little fluid inside the case. I know there is some bc the converter never came off the transmission while the engine was out.

No, in most cases, in MOST, but not all, auto transmissions in a low fluid situation like that, since there is no fluid to compress clutch drums, apply servos to tighten bands and such, nothing can really burn up. Pushing or towing down the highway without fluid or motor not running is another story. So long as the driveshaft wasn't spinning where lube would be needed in the back of the case, it should be fine.

Hopefully just a few quarts low on fluid.

 

[RangRayy]

No, in most cases, in MOST, but not all, auto transmissions in a low fluid situation like that, since there is no fluid to compress clutch drums, apply servos to tighten bands and such, nothing can really burn up. Pushing or towing down the highway without fluid or motor not running is another story. So long as the driveshaft wasn't spinning where lube would be needed in the back of the case, it should be fine.

Hopefully just a few quarts low on fluid.

fingers crossed that nothing is messed up. although I do have a pare TH350 in the garage that has a shift kit... so I am prepared I just dont want to go through taking the old out and putting new in... Ill let ya know Friday if it was just the fluid low or not.

 

[RangRayy]

Hopefully just a few quarts low on fluid.

It was right around 4 qts low! Filled her up and went into gear! even got to drive it around the block.

 

[87scotty]

Good deal lol tranny fluid who new

 

[RangRayy]

Good deal lol tranny fluid who new

right? it was the last thing I even thought to check.

 

[HotRodPC]

Cool. I figured as much. Shouldn't be any harm at all done to it then.

 

[1987 GMC Jimmy]

Was wondering about this. Glad to hear it.

 

[RangRayy]

Was wondering about this. Glad to hear it.

thank you sir. so far so good! put down some cardboard after the road test and let it sit over night. no leaks so far. the new flexible dipstick is holding tight and new the new modulator is snug.

 

[Rusty Nail]

Ya. Its gotta have the juice to go, I use the red stuff. Seems OK so far!