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Adding trans fluid.

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Old May 4, 2016 | 05:48 AM
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Default Adding trans fluid.

I'm getting ready to reinstall my engine. When I disconnected the trans coolant lines about a coffee can of fluid came out.

Can I just add fluid back in or do I have to go through the whole procedure of running the car on jack stands (like when you change the filter)?

Thanks.
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Old May 4, 2016 | 06:56 AM
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Do you still have the fluid? When I change out my Alison, I measure what came out and then put the same back in. If you have the measurement, you can simply add that back in. I would still check later though especially if you plan any tuning on the car.
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Old May 4, 2016 | 11:29 AM
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^Yes, actually it filled up a coffee can almost exactly.

That is a relief to know that It doesn't get too technical. I have enough to think about with electrical, brake bleeding etc... before I get to start her.

I didn't want to cause a transmission issue while breaking in the engine.
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Old May 4, 2016 | 11:44 AM
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I would LOVE to be there when you TRY to add that fluid back in!!! Ill bring the video camera and post the results on U Tube!!!

Its NOT going to happen! At least not without car on lift, fully warm and RUNNING!!! If you remove the fill plug without the engine running fluid will GUSH out!


Only attempt to add ATF when the engine is running and the trans oil pump fills the converter.

Bill
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Old May 4, 2016 | 03:45 PM
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Thanks Bill. That answers my question. I haven't gotten to researching that part of the process yet or had time to focus my attention on it.

Part of my dilemma is how to properly do an initial engine break in (first 20 minutes or so), listening/watching for trouble with fluid missing from the trans. I don't want to mess anything up.
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Old May 4, 2016 | 04:15 PM
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Here's a link to the procedure I wrote for checking the transmission fluid level. It's pretty straight forward if you closely monitor the fluid temperature on the D.I.C. display.

Hope this helps!

https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...uid-level.html
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Old May 4, 2016 | 04:43 PM
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Thanks for the quick reply. This forum rocks.
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Old May 4, 2016 | 05:08 PM
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Originally Posted by Bill Curlee
I would LOVE to be there when you TRY to add that fluid back in!!! Ill bring the video camera and post the results on U Tube!!!

Its NOT going to happen! At least not without car on lift, fully warm and RUNNING!!! If you remove the fill plug without the engine running fluid will GUSH out!


Only attempt to add ATF when the engine is running and the trans oil pump fills the converter.

Bill
Ahhh, come on Bill. Everyone knows all you have to do is pull out the tranny dipstick and pour it right in that little ol' hole...
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Old May 4, 2016 | 05:14 PM
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Would have it have been too much trouble to have put a 16ft long dip stick under the hood?
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Old May 4, 2016 | 05:22 PM
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Originally Posted by CactusCat
Ahhh, come on Bill. Everyone knows all you have to do is pull out the tranny dipstick and pour it right in that little ol' hole...
Don't we all WISH it was that simple on the C5
I know I do
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Old Apr 14, 2017 | 08:41 PM
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I am removing my radiator for a cam change. Is it doable to put trans fluid in a squeeze bottle and add it by squeezing it into the trans cooler lines while off? If so, which line is the return line TO the trans pan and which is the return line FROM the trans? In other words, I think there would be less resistance squeezing it into the line returning fluid to the trans vs the line sending fluid to the radiator for cooling.
Thanks for answering the dumb question, just trying to avoid more work than needed.
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Old Apr 14, 2017 | 09:06 PM
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I would not worry too much about adding a quart back in JUST to run in
engine while still..
Yes, it's not at the perfect level, but it won't really get hot just
running in park in your garage (i assume you'll have a fan blowing in front)
While doing your engine run -in procedure.
That way you can concentrate on engine, coolant burp, etc..
Do the trans level later (the correct way).
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