Installing torque converter dry, will it work?

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Jun 11, 2008 | 12:55 AM

86GoldProject

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From: Hamilton New Jersey

Installing torque converter dry, will it work?

Having a debate on another board, the guy says if you install a torque converter without any fluid in it it will fill up on its on after letting the car idle for a while. I've always been told to fill the converter before installing it or you will have to pull the trans again to fill the converter as it will not fill on its own. Who is right?

Jun 11, 2008 | 03:14 AM

bigwave71

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From: powhatan va.

it will fill up on its own but it will suck the pan dry very fast and you will have to shut the car of to refill the pan. not recomended you do that, i would put at least two quarts in converter then put it on the trans.

Last edited by bigwave71; Jun 11, 2008 at 03:16 AM.

Jun 11, 2008 | 03:16 AM

khhammer

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From: Tucson Az

Quote:

Originally Posted by bigwave71

it will fill up on its own but it will suck the pan dry very fast and you will have to shut the car off to refill the pan.

Jun 11, 2008 | 05:40 AM

makn u shiver

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From: st albert alberta

every converter i ever used had a warning to fill the converter with at least 1 liter before you install it ,i put in 2 liters .

Jun 11, 2008 | 07:30 AM

Da Mail Man

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Quote:

Originally Posted by makn u shiver

every converter i ever used had a warning to fill the converter with at least 1 liter before you install it ,i put in 2 liters .

....

out of all the converters i have installed, i have never installed one with out filling one to the bottom of the "neck"...i do the same with oil filters when doing an oil change.....

Jun 11, 2008 | 11:12 AM

Hotred94

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From: Syracuse Utah

I recently did mine and I recommend using Dextron VI fully synthetic. I've seen the GM specs on it and that stuff is way superior to Dex III.

Jun 11, 2008 | 11:18 AM

Pete K

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You can install it dry, but why would you?
Nothing good happens when something hydraulic does not have fluid.

Jun 11, 2008 | 11:38 AM

Hotred94

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From: Syracuse Utah

I just saw Pete's assessment on synthetic oil. Now I'm thinking twice about it and hoping this opinion doesn't extend to the new Dex 6 which is what GM is now recommending in place of Dex 3. What do you think Pete?