4+3 Question
Thread Starter
Heel & Toe
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 19
Likes: 0
From: POMONA NJ
4+3 Question
OK, when i go on decntly long drives (about 1.5 hrs) in my 86 vette, with the auto OD on, after i stop and shut the car off, there is a smoky steam coming through into the interior, it looks as though the trans or OD is overheating??? Its just a guess, what does anyone recommend? Is there an actual place to check the level of fluid on either and where is it? Does the OverDrive have a trans cooler or anything that may have a clogged line? Any ideas or suggestions wwelcome. thanks.
Team Owner
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 34,873
Likes: 487
From: Lacey WA RVN 68-69
NCM Sinkhole Donor
Re: 4+3 Question (SFU666)
Is there a smell like tranny fluid overheating?? The 4+3 uses the bottom of the radiator for cooling much like a regular automatic tranny. It sounds like either the fluid level is too low or that the lines to the radiator may be clogged. There is no way to check fluid level with a dipstick like you would do with an automatic.
I would get the OD unit serviced now!! It has a filter much like a auto filter and it should be serviced. A tranny shop can flush the lines and the cooler portion of the radiator. Have it refilled with Mobil-1 synthetic Dexron II ATF.
The OD unit does need regular maintenance and I would recommend a fluid change every 30K miles or so. They are expensive to repair so get it to a shop ASAP.
I would get the OD unit serviced now!! It has a filter much like a auto filter and it should be serviced. A tranny shop can flush the lines and the cooler portion of the radiator. Have it refilled with Mobil-1 synthetic Dexron II ATF.
The OD unit does need regular maintenance and I would recommend a fluid change every 30K miles or so. They are expensive to repair so get it to a shop ASAP.
Safety Car
Joined: Mar 2000
Posts: 3,581
Likes: 1
From: Springfield VA
Re: 4+3 Question (SFU666)
To check the OD fluid level and condition get the car up in the air. On the side of the OD unit is a fill nut similar to the one on the tranny and rear end. Make sure the car is level (jack stands, rack, etc.) and check the fluid level with the tip of your finger.
If the fluid isn't level with the opening it is low. If you can touch the fluid, check it for color and smell (burnt, etc.). You will need a hand pump to add ATF fluid. You can get one at Autozone or Advanced Auto. They have one that screws right on to the top of a Mobil 1 ATF bottle. Also check for a small syphon while you are there. I found one at Autozone recently. It is supposed to be a gas syphon for small engines. One hose is about 3' - 4' long and the other is about 6". Connect the hoses to each end of the small rubber pump and you are in business. This is great for pumping out the fluid in your OD and P/S reservoir when you want to change them.
If the fluid isn't level with the opening it is low. If you can touch the fluid, check it for color and smell (burnt, etc.). You will need a hand pump to add ATF fluid. You can get one at Autozone or Advanced Auto. They have one that screws right on to the top of a Mobil 1 ATF bottle. Also check for a small syphon while you are there. I found one at Autozone recently. It is supposed to be a gas syphon for small engines. One hose is about 3' - 4' long and the other is about 6". Connect the hoses to each end of the small rubber pump and you are in business. This is great for pumping out the fluid in your OD and P/S reservoir when you want to change them.
