View Full Version : Transmission Fluid
hrosenthal
07-27-2013, 09:38 AM
Should I be filling my transmission with fluid before I install the engine & tranny?
I'm not sure how accessible the filler will be once it is installed.
Thanks.
68GT500MAN
07-27-2013, 11:08 AM
I put the fluid in after install, did not want to make a mess. There is a plug that can be installed in the tail of the transmission to keep the fluid in.
Doug
CraigS
07-27-2013, 03:36 PM
If you don't have the plug you could slide the driveshaft in but that is kind of a pain to deal w/ while installing the engine/trams. My technique is to remove the shifter housing and install the trans dry. install the shaft, then remove the fill plug but pour the fluid into the top where the housing was. No little hand pumps to drive you crazy. Stop pouring when it comes out the filler hole. But let it drain til it slows a little because you may have a bit of extra fluid up top when it first comes out the filler.
FFRSpec72
07-28-2013, 12:17 AM
I just put the fluid in through the top, as I leave the shifter plate off, once transmission is in, I put the fluid in through the shifter and then once complete put the shifter plate back on and set to go, no fuss, no muss.
STOP!!!! What trans do you have? If its a TKO you will need to reseal the case halfs with a ATF compatible sealant. Even the T5 is this way from what i heard. Nothing will piss you off more then seeing drops on your driveway from your new trans. Wish i knew this before I installed my tko600 but this is a very common problem. Search and you will see.
As for filling, we did it in the car, but my panels were off on the trans cover.
Mustang Man
07-28-2013, 09:19 AM
Don't scare the guy! LOL
Where did he say anything about pulling the case apart?
It's best to install dry and then either fill from the shifter opening until it comes out the fill plug hole as noted above, or you should be able to access the fill hole with a length of tubing or hose through the trans tunnel side where the parking brake opening is (which is how I filled ours)...
Mark
No, you need to break the case halves apart to seal them. The factory sealant is BAD. IT WILL LEAK! known issue with tremec!
montyals
07-28-2013, 09:51 AM
I put the fluid in my T5 after I dropped it in with the engine.
bansheekev
07-28-2013, 09:55 AM
Huh? Every new TKO needs to be split to prevent it from leaking or when it has been split for midshift install or other reasons?
I have a brand new TKO that arrived Friday sitting on my bench getting ready to go in the car... Confused...
Kevin
No, you need to break the case halves apart to seal them. The factory sealant is BAD. IT WILL LEAK! known issue with tremec!
unfortunately yes. Search google and the FF forums. Common problem. It sucks. Once you start driving and getting that fluid hot, it starts seaping out...
bansheekev
07-28-2013, 12:38 PM
I searched both this site and the rest of the Internet and there is a lot of references to leaks at the input shaft housing and the mechanical speedo. But if I narrow the searches to only those after 1/1/2010 they pretty much disappear? Not sure if this is an issue that was a known at one point (mid 2000's is where it was common) but has since been fixed by Tremec?
If anyone has references to something more recent please share!
Thanks, Kevin
unfortunately yes. Search google and the FF forums. Common problem. It sucks. Once you start driving and getting that fluid hot, it starts seaping out...
we purchased our tko600 in 2012 new.
bansheekev
07-28-2013, 01:07 PM
Where exactly did it leak and what was the fix? I understand the part about getting the correct sealant compatible with synchromesh. Question is which mating surfaces need to be dealt with?
Thanks, appreciated!
Kevin
we purchased our tko600 in 2012 new.
Unfortunately i have to remove my engine and trans to fix it. So its a future project. But basically, its just the case halfs need to be split, cleaned, sealed and put back together. There was a really good write up on ffcars i believe. Cant remember who wrote it up though. They actually did it while still in the car.
Also, i have a buddy that has a t5 with the same problem in the same spot. It really sucks! I wish someone told me before as while its out, it would be a very simple fix.
Mustang Man
07-28-2013, 05:06 PM
I've not read anything about having to do this. I would presume Mike Forte would have been all over both forums recommending it and the proper sealer. Our TKO 600 has been in our car since 2006 with no leaks and the original red sticky sealer on all the case sealing points...
Not saying yours didn't leak, but recommending everyone open their trans (potentially voiding the warranty) is a bit paranoid IMHO...
Mark
bansheekev
07-28-2013, 06:14 PM
I'm just going to leave it and not worry about it. I am using the stock shifter and have the mechanical speedo aluminum block off with the o-ring.
Talked to a few buddies of mine with TKO-500's and TKO-600's (4 total) and none of them had leaks...
Kevin
I've not read anything about having to do this. I would presume Mike Forte would have been all over both forums recommending it and the proper sealer. Our TKO 600 has been in our car since 2006 with no leaks and the original red sticky sealer on all the case sealing points...
Not saying yours didn't leak, but recommending everyone open their trans (potentially voiding the warranty) is a bit paranoid IMHO...
Mark