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Classic/Antique Car Repair/Powerglide no drive or reverse

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Expert: - 9/27/2008


Question
QUESTION: The transmission was operating satisfactorily and was removed to replace the shifter shaft seal and external seals and gaskets. It was reinstalled and filled initially with 4 quarts of fluid and started up and no drive or reverse. An additional 3 quarts were then added to compensate for cooler and converter. Still no drive or reverse. Shows overfilled on stick, is it necessary to bleed air or prime the system. If so how is this done? Any other suggestions?

ANSWER: Which powerglide, aluminum or iron case and what year?

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: 1963 Chevrolet, aluminum case

Answer
I am afraid that it sounds like the torque converter slipped when installing the transmission. This might have caused the drive fingers on the converter hub to jam the front pump. I think that you would be wise to pull the transmission. Before doing this drop the oil pan and check to be sure that the shifter is properly connected to the shift valve.

Classic/Antique Car Repair

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Brad Sears

Expertise

All automotive including antique and collectible. However if the car has been modified I can only answer in general terms and maybe get you pointed in the right direction.

Experience

Automotive tech instructor. Syndicated auto columnist 1970's though the early 1990's. Syndicated auto radio talk show, Ask Brad About cars, CBS Radio 70's through 90's TV Show "Last Chance Garage" 1980's PBS-TV syndicated. Auto instructor for the following companies: Fram Autolyte Holly Carter AMF Ford Motor University Of Conn Blue Hills Technical School Sugar River Technical Center Grew up in a family garage in Needham Mass and turned wrenches from the age of 14.

Publications
Manchester Union Leader, Nashua Telegraph, Motor Service Magazine, Yankee Magazine, Popular Mechanics (Saturday Mechanic early 80's), Los Angeles Times, New York Times, and lots more.

Education/Credentials
More than I care to remember. Basically Franklin Technical Institute in Boston, Northeastern University, Fitchburg State Teachers College, Tufts University, and a lot of factory schools along the way.

Awards and Honors
Moto Award winner. And much more.

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