I have an ’82 corvette and it has a TH350, but the transmission is slipping. While I was installing new radiator, I noticed that there was not much transmission oil in the radiator or line. I checked the fluid level and it was correct. Could the transmission pump be going out, and could this cause the slipping problem? If this is the problem, what are the options? Is a rebuild in order, or is there another possibility? Thanks in advance.

CDM

 

does fluid smell burnt ? has it been serviced ?

 

I've got a nice 350, I can sell you cheap. :yesnod:

 

The oil does not have a burnt smell to it.

This is a restoration project, and I had to install a new engine. I was only able to run it a little before I had to replace the engine, but I think that the tranny was running fine. Could it be that I did not keep the pump engaged as I was doing the enging swap?

 

This is a VERY good excuse to upgrade to an overdrive. Take your pick: 200-4R or 700-R4. :yesnod:

 

not hard to crawl under and check, remove flywheel cover remove torque
converter bolts and check for play.... did you have a hard time mating the
block to the tranny on the inststall ?

 

Your TH350 transmission has a vacuum modulator at the back with a vacuum line on it. If the diaphram inside the VM ruptures, you can suck a lot of tranny oil past it into your engine. That is one of the reasons that manufacturers give suggested intervals for checking fluids. That aside, the VM takes about 15 minutes to replace, is cheap, and every parts store has one. Why not pull yours off and test it with a Mity Vac or other suitable device.

I had a TH350 trans that was slipping and it got worse by the week. I finally put a rebuilt trans in the car. However, if you are severly low on transmission fluid, your trans will slip something awful. Figure out where the fluid is going, fix that, fill with the correct type and amount then recheck to see if it is still slipping.
Gary

 

There does seem to be some play there. What should I do to correct this?

 

Didn't the 82's come with a 700r4? Assuming that the TH350 is a transplant.

 

what the torque conveter bolts out? there sould be some play if not convert.
not seated in the pump correctly

 

check , modulator, kick-down cable etc. all external stuff, if no better drop
the pan... did you service it when car was down for engine?

 

hmmmm, last i checked, all 82 vettes had 4spdOD autos from the factory. are u sure u dont have a 700 instead of a 350?

the reason i ask is because they are very different units. the 700 uses a cable to control line pressure. kinda, like the 350 modulator...but different. the cable on the 700 controls up/down shifts (along w/ the gov) but, more importantly it controls pressure the unit holds. if the cable (which is connected to the TB unit) is not operating correctly it can cause problems.

if u want to ensure the pump is pumping, check the fluid without the car running, should read rather high on the stick. then it should drop to nomal w/ the engine running.

if the filter is plugged, or is sucking air on the 700, this will also cause it to slip. if it is slipping, and the fluid is red, and not burnt yet, it is most likely starving for fluid. either a restriction (kinked line etc) or it is just low.

this my sound dumb, but make sure u r checking it w/ the engine running. u would b supprised how many peep dont.

pulling the pan is a breeze on either unit. go for it. if there is any "trash" then it is DONE. time for "anew" but, u might be supprised how long it might live if the filter is just plugged and u replace it. especially if it is a 350.

the 700 has a rectangular pan. the 350 has a almost square pan w/ a corner cut off (so to speak)

good luck - hope this helps :cheers:

 

yea, it's wild how much material will be in the pan of a T350 and still work in
a car (easy everyday driving) got 2 that have really needed rebuilt for over
a yr. did a few little things to them and they keep on tickin'