700R4 Won't Engage/Move

[joed]

Working on my 48 Chevy 6.5 project, and am trying to use a (supposedly good) used 700R4.

In trying to test the trans, I get no engagement when I put it in gear-forward or reverse. I only hear a slight whine from the trans.

It seems the pump isn't pumping-I checked the oil cooler lines and no flow. I serviced the trans before I installed it in the car, it looked good, with no metal and no evidence of burning. I also drained the TC as much as I could.

The trans did sit for quite a while before I bought it-could something be stuck? I pulled the pan again tonight, with nothing obviously wrong, It seems to have plenty of fluid, although it didn't take much to show on the dipstick, about 5 qts, especially since I drained the TC.

Short of pulling the trans, is there something else I can check first?

Thanks. Joe.

[DmaxMaverick]

If you only added 5 qts, you're a LOT short. It won't engage with fluid that low. Get the air out and the fluid in before you condemn the tranny.

[Robyn]

With the engine running (rig on flat ground) trans in N check the stick.

Add fluid until the level is in the middle of the normal range.

Cycle the selector through all ranges R N D 3 2 1 Slowly to allow systems to purge.

When checking level, do so in N (Use park brake or chock wheels)

5 Quarts is nowhere near a full fill, especially if you dumped the converter.

Keep adding and cycling the shifter until the level is solid in the normal range.

My bet is it will work fine.

Be sure to adjust the TV cable correctly before driving.

Good luck

[joed]

Thanks, it's worth a shot.

It just seems like it's not even beginning to pull any fluid, but I don't think I've let it run in N for any decent amount of time.

Should I open one of the cooler lines to help it 'purge'?

Joe.

[Robyn]

No purging needed, as any air will escape easily.

The cooler return line is a lube line and and air purges right out.

The normal fill on a 700R is ABOUT 10 qts when dry.

The 5 qts you poured in likely all went into the converter.

Even with the fluid just below the stick the tranny will not like it.


Once on the stick when running, things should start happening.

You also have a capacity in the cooler/lines too, not much butttttt some.

[joed]

Still can't get it to pump any fluid.

I put at least 9 qts in - it's well above the "hot" level on the dipstick, but it doesn't draw down. No flow out of the oil cooler ports.

I guess it's looking like a bad pump. Any other ideas?

Seems like the TC is turning the pump - I hear a slight whine and the driveshaft wll turn slowly due to centrifugal force, but no actual 'driven' rotation. I changed the filter before I installed it.

Thanks again.