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Extreme Veteran
Posts: 326
 
Location: Newcastle Australia | Yet another drama with my gearbox.
It's all new (supposedly) But now I find that when I start the car transmission fluid is being pumped out of the top of the filler tube.
Looks like its going back to the transmission mechanic.
When I got the car back there was a very small amount of fluid under the car. A couple of small spots. Now its throwing out about half a cup each time I start the car.
The fluid level looks okay but I haven't run the car until its hot to get a good read. |
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Extreme Veteran
Posts: 326
Location: Newcastle Australia |
When I got the car back there was a very small amount of fluid under the car. A couple of small spots. Now it’s throwing out about half a cup plus, each time I start the car.
I let the car idle for about 15minutes yesterday and checked the fluid level. The level is sitting just a smidge under the full line.
After shutting down the engine, the fluid level drops and sits on the minimum level.
24 hours later the fluid level is 30mm above the full line.
I understand that the torque converter will drain back some fluid, but is this amount normal?
From what I have found on this forum, the trans may be cavitating (cold boiling).
with the common issues being;
- fluid level too low (pick-up sucking air)
- fluid level too high (rotating parts whipping air into the fluid)
- internal leakage
- clogged trans vent
I tend to think that maybe my torque converter is draining too much fluid back. So is this normal? |
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Exner Expert 10K+
Posts: 10579
 
Location: So. Cal | When I had this trouble, it was because the vent was plugged. What was plugging it you may ask? The gasket to mount the tailshaft. It seems that the replacement gaskets don't come with a hole for the vent tube in them. If your transmission was just rebuilt, I would suspect that to be the problem before anything else. You may be able to loosen the engine mounts enough to lower the back end of the transmission down far enough that you can access that vent tube without taking out the transmission. Then just twist a drill into it by hand to remove the gasket that's in the way. You'll probably want to remove the fan first to prevent destroying your radiator, as well as linkages, etc. Good luck.
Edited by Powerflite 2026-08-13 11:24 AM
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Expert
Posts: 3641
 
Location: Blythewood, SC | I have been told by more experience men than me...
Torqueflites have a tendency to puke out of the fill tube when parked for extended periods.
Honestly, I would reach out to "Fury Jim" Rawa on Facebook. He knows cast iron torqueflites like the back of his hand. |
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Board Moderator & Exner Expert 10K+
Posts: 13213
Location: Southern Sweden - Sturkö island | If the fuid level is good, not too high and not too low and the breather is open, this indicate internal leakage/shot front clutch.
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Expert
Posts: 3868
Location: NorCal | 57plymouth - 2026-08-14 6:30 AM
I have been told by more experience men than me...
Torqueflites have a tendency to puke out of the fill tube when parked for extended periods.
That's based on the premise that converter drain back raises the fluid level too high and the internal spinning mass throws the fluid up the filler tube. The converter can only drain to a little over the half-way point and this can occur overnight.
A transmission with good seals and gaskets can easily handle the increased fluid level with no leakage. |
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Fluid pumped out of filler tube
