Transmission fluid change

I need to change the fluid and filter in my 1976 corvette.

I called the local stealership and by the time they are done with
materials, fluid,

labour, and taxes, it is around $350. They wanted over $80 for a
filter and gasket!
Corvette Central - $12.95 or so...

I did some research on the web, and it is pretty straightforward from
what I see, aside
from the torque converter. Drilling a hole in the torque converter is
not advised. The best way (aside from using a special flushing
machine) appears to be:

1- remove tranny cover and replace gasket and filter, clean it all up
and replace
2- top up fluid
3- remove one end of tranny coolant hose and put it into a bucket
4- start car, run thru gears on tranny, and drain out approx 1 quart
5- shut off car, refill transmission

repeat steps 4- 5 until the fluid coming out is the same colour as
what you are pouring
in.

In terms of the fluid, mine takes Dextron III. Apparently higher
numbers are all
compatible with the lower ones. ie I could use Dextron V. Best not to
mix though. You
get added benefits with the improvements in the newer mixtures if you
upgrade. And
more by going to a synthetic.

Now - before I proceed, I got this off the web and I am no expert. So
does anyone have
anything to add to this? Things I should not do? Errors or mis-
understandings I may
have in this?

TIA.

> wrote in message
...
>I need to change the fluid and filter in my 1976 corvette.
>
> I called the local stealership and by the time they are done with
> materials, fluid,
>
> labour, and taxes, it is around $350. They wanted over $80 for a
> filter and gasket!
> Corvette Central - $12.95 or so...
>
> I did some research on the web, and it is pretty straightforward
> from
> what I see, aside
> from the torque converter. Drilling a hole in the torque converter
> is
> not advised. The best way (aside from using a special flushing
> machine) appears to be:
>
> 1- remove tranny cover and replace gasket and filter, clean it all
> up
> and replace
> 2- top up fluid
> 3- remove one end of tranny coolant hose and put it into a bucket
> 4- start car, run thru gears on tranny, and drain out approx 1 quart
> 5- shut off car, refill transmission
>
> repeat steps 4- 5 until the fluid coming out is the same colour as
> what you are pouring
> in.
>
> In terms of the fluid, mine takes Dextron III. Apparently higher
> numbers are all
> compatible with the lower ones. ie I could use Dextron V. Best not
> to
> mix though. You
> get added benefits with the improvements in the newer mixtures if
> you
> upgrade. And
> more by going to a synthetic.
>
> Now - before I proceed, I got this off the web and I am no expert.
> So
> does anyone have
> anything to add to this? Things I should not do? Errors or mis-
> understandings I may
> have in this?
>
> TIA.

No biggie but before I change transmission fluid I stick a strong
magnet to the pan for a few trips. All of the critters stuck to it
when I remove the pan always amazes me.

I also clamp a steel straight edge in the vise and true up the gasket
surface and put very light coat of Indian gasket dope on it to
position the gasket. Then put in all bolts to snug it up, then tighten
equally all around until they are a bit more than just snug, don't
over tighten.

https://www.rockauto.com/catalog/x,c...,parttype,8600
Filter kit, $5.97 Fram, with gasket. Check second image for correct
fit. Also just for ha ha's while you're under there I would change the
vacuum modulator and hose $16.13. Why, because sometimes the o-ring,
diaphragm, and/or hose will leak and make your transmission shift
funny.

On Jun 8, 3:24*pm, "Dad" > wrote:
> > wrote in message
>
> ...
>
>
>
> >I need to change the fluid and filter in my 1976 corvette.
>
> > I called the local stealership and by the time they are done with
> > materials, fluid,
>
> > labour, and taxes, it is around $350. They wanted over $80 for a
> > filter and gasket!
> > Corvette Central - $12.95 or so...
>
> > I did some research on the web, and it is pretty straightforward
> > from
> > what I see, aside
> > from the torque converter. Drilling a hole in the torque converter
> > is
> > not advised. The best way (aside from using *a special flushing
> > machine) appears to be:
>
> > 1- remove tranny cover and replace gasket and filter, clean it all
> > up
> > and replace
> > 2- top up fluid
> > 3- remove one end of tranny coolant hose and put it into a bucket
> > 4- start car, run thru gears on tranny, and drain out approx 1 quart
> > 5- shut off car, refill transmission
>
> > repeat steps 4- 5 until the fluid coming out is the same colour as
> > what you are pouring
> > in.
>
> > In terms of the fluid, mine takes Dextron III. Apparently higher
> > numbers are all
> > compatible with the lower ones. ie I could use Dextron V. Best not
> > to
> > mix though. You
> > get added benefits with the improvements in the newer mixtures if
> > you
> > upgrade. And
> > more by going to a synthetic.
>
> > Now - before I proceed, I got this off the web and I am no expert.
> > So
> > does anyone have
> > anything to add to this? Things I should not do? Errors or mis-
> > understandings I may
> > have in this?
>
> > TIA.
>
> No biggie but before I change transmission fluid I stick a strong
> magnet to the pan for a few trips. All of the critters stuck to it
> when I remove the pan always amazes me.
>
> I also clamp a steel straight edge in the vise and true up the gasket
> surface and put very light coat of Indian gasket dope on it to
> position the gasket. Then put in all bolts to snug it up, then tighten
> equally all around until they are a bit more than just snug, don't
> over tighten.
>
> https://www.rockauto.com/catalog/x,c...,parttype,8600
> Filter kit, $5.97 Fram, with gasket. Check second image for correct
> fit. Also just for ha ha's while you're under there I would change the
> vacuum modulator and hose $16.13. Why, because sometimes the o-ring,
> diaphragm, and/or hose will leak and make your transmission shift
> funny.

Couple of good suggestions there for sure - especially the magnet one.
Never would have thought of that. I'll check on-line and in my manual
for the modulator valve and hose description/picture and where to find
said beasts. I already have the gasket and filter in hand from
Corvette Central.

Another suggestion someone made was to replace the old gasket and
filter after cleaning the pan, refill with fluid, run, and drain to
get all of the converter fluid out... then install new gasket and
filter and new fluid again.

On Jun 8, 7:01*pm, Bowser > wrote:
> On Jun 8, 3:24*pm, "Dad" > wrote:
>
>
>
> > > wrote in message
>
> ...
>
> > >I need to change the fluid and filter in my 1976 corvette.
>
> > > I called the local stealership and by the time they are done with
> > > materials, fluid,
>
> > > labour, and taxes, it is around $350. They wanted over $80 for a
> > > filter and gasket!
> > > Corvette Central - $12.95 or so...
>
> > > I did some research on the web, and it is pretty straightforward
> > > from
> > > what I see, aside
> > > from the torque converter. Drilling a hole in the torque converter
> > > is
> > > not advised. The best way (aside from using *a special flushing
> > > machine) appears to be:
>
> > > 1- remove tranny cover and replace gasket and filter, clean it all
> > > up
> > > and replace
> > > 2- top up fluid
> > > 3- remove one end of tranny coolant hose and put it into a bucket
> > > 4- start car, run thru gears on tranny, and drain out approx 1 quart
> > > 5- shut off car, refill transmission
>
> > > repeat steps 4- 5 until the fluid coming out is the same colour as
> > > what you are pouring
> > > in.
>
> > > In terms of the fluid, mine takes Dextron III. Apparently higher
> > > numbers are all
> > > compatible with the lower ones. ie I could use Dextron V. Best not
> > > to
> > > mix though. You
> > > get added benefits with the improvements in the newer mixtures if
> > > you
> > > upgrade. And
> > > more by going to a synthetic.
>
> > > Now - before I proceed, I got this off the web and I am no expert.
> > > So
> > > does anyone have
> > > anything to add to this? Things I should not do? Errors or mis-
> > > understandings I may
> > > have in this?
>
> > > TIA.
>
> > No biggie but before I change transmission fluid I stick a strong
> > magnet to the pan for a few trips. All of the critters stuck to it
> > when I remove the pan always amazes me.
>
> > I also clamp a steel straight edge in the vise and true up the gasket
> > surface and put very light coat of Indian gasket dope on it to
> > position the gasket. Then put in all bolts to snug it up, then tighten
> > equally all around until they are a bit more than just snug, don't
> > over tighten.
>
> >https://www.rockauto.com/catalog/x,c...,parttype,8600
> > Filter kit, $5.97 Fram, with gasket. Check second image for correct
> > fit. Also just for ha ha's while you're under there I would change the
> > vacuum modulator and hose $16.13. Why, because sometimes the o-ring,
> > diaphragm, and/or hose will leak and make your transmission shift
> > funny.
>
> Couple of good suggestions there for sure - especially the magnet one.
> Never would have thought of that. I'll check on-line and in my manual
> for the modulator valve and hose description/picture and where to find
> said beasts. I already have the gasket and filter in hand from
> Corvette Central.
>
> Another suggestion someone made was to replace the old gasket and
> filter after cleaning the pan, refill with fluid, run, and drain to
> get all of the converter fluid out... then install new gasket and
> filter and new fluid again.

well - on the basis of what I have read and inputs, I think I will
adopt the drop the pan, drain, clean filter, button it up and fill,
run, and drain again, then put on new gasket and filter, and refill. I
will probably be too lazy to do it all again next year, so may as well
try to do it well this time around. If I can find a big magnet to fix
to the pan ahead of time to trap any debris I will do that too, and
maybe swap out the modulator valve and the hose while I am at it. Just
depends on my time.

The next item to be determined is: do I stick with the current Dexron
III or move to something like a synthetic that are supposed to have
superior properties?

What's the opinion on that one?

Bowser wrote:
> On Jun 8, 7:01 pm, Bowser > wrote:
>> On Jun 8, 3:24 pm, "Dad" > wrote:
>>
>>
>>
>>> > wrote in message
>>> ...
>>>> I need to change the fluid and filter in my 1976 corvette.
>>>> I called the local stealership and by the time they are done with
>>>> materials, fluid,
>>>> labour, and taxes, it is around $350. They wanted over $80 for a
>>>> filter and gasket!
>>>> Corvette Central - $12.95 or so...
>>>> I did some research on the web, and it is pretty straightforward
>>>> from
>>>> what I see, aside
>>>> from the torque converter. Drilling a hole in the torque converter
>>>> is
>>>> not advised. The best way (aside from using a special flushing
>>>> machine) appears to be:
>>>> 1- remove tranny cover and replace gasket and filter, clean it all
>>>> up
>>>> and replace
>>>> 2- top up fluid
>>>> 3- remove one end of tranny coolant hose and put it into a bucket
>>>> 4- start car, run thru gears on tranny, and drain out approx 1 quart
>>>> 5- shut off car, refill transmission
>>>> repeat steps 4- 5 until the fluid coming out is the same colour as
>>>> what you are pouring
>>>> in.
>>>> In terms of the fluid, mine takes Dextron III. Apparently higher
>>>> numbers are all
>>>> compatible with the lower ones. ie I could use Dextron V. Best not
>>>> to
>>>> mix though. You
>>>> get added benefits with the improvements in the newer mixtures if
>>>> you
>>>> upgrade. And
>>>> more by going to a synthetic.
>>>> Now - before I proceed, I got this off the web and I am no expert.
>>>> So
>>>> does anyone have
>>>> anything to add to this? Things I should not do? Errors or mis-
>>>> understandings I may
>>>> have in this?
>>>> TIA.
>>> No biggie but before I change transmission fluid I stick a strong
>>> magnet to the pan for a few trips. All of the critters stuck to it
>>> when I remove the pan always amazes me.
>>> I also clamp a steel straight edge in the vise and true up the gasket
>>> surface and put very light coat of Indian gasket dope on it to
>>> position the gasket. Then put in all bolts to snug it up, then tighten
>>> equally all around until they are a bit more than just snug, don't
>>> over tighten.
>>> https://www.rockauto.com/catalog/x,c...,parttype,8600
>>> Filter kit, $5.97 Fram, with gasket. Check second image for correct
>>> fit. Also just for ha ha's while you're under there I would change the
>>> vacuum modulator and hose $16.13. Why, because sometimes the o-ring,
>>> diaphragm, and/or hose will leak and make your transmission shift
>>> funny.
>> Couple of good suggestions there for sure - especially the magnet one.
>> Never would have thought of that. I'll check on-line and in my manual
>> for the modulator valve and hose description/picture and where to find
>> said beasts. I already have the gasket and filter in hand from
>> Corvette Central.
>>
>> Another suggestion someone made was to replace the old gasket and
>> filter after cleaning the pan, refill with fluid, run, and drain to
>> get all of the converter fluid out... then install new gasket and
>> filter and new fluid again.
>
> well - on the basis of what I have read and inputs, I think I will
> adopt the drop the pan, drain, clean filter, button it up and fill,
> run, and drain again, then put on new gasket and filter, and refill. I
> will probably be too lazy to do it all again next year, so may as well
> try to do it well this time around. If I can find a big magnet to fix
> to the pan ahead of time to trap any debris I will do that too, and
> maybe swap out the modulator valve and the hose while I am at it. Just
> depends on my time.
>
> The next item to be determined is: do I stick with the current Dexron
> III or move to something like a synthetic that are supposed to have
> superior properties?
>
> What's the opinion on that one?

Stick with the original fluid. It has the right
amount of "slipperiness."

--
pj

On Jun 9, 5:22*pm, pj > wrote:
> Bowser wrote:
> > On Jun 8, 7:01 pm, Bowser > wrote:
> >> On Jun 8, 3:24 pm, "Dad" > wrote:
>
> >>> > wrote in message
> ....
> >>>> I need to change the fluid and filter in my 1976 corvette.
> >>>> I called the local stealership and by the time they are done with
> >>>> materials, fluid,
> >>>> labour, and taxes, it is around $350. They wanted over $80 for a
> >>>> filter and gasket!
> >>>> Corvette Central - $12.95 or so...
> >>>> I did some research on the web, and it is pretty straightforward
> >>>> from
> >>>> what I see, aside
> >>>> from the torque converter. Drilling a hole in the torque converter
> >>>> is
> >>>> not advised. The best way (aside from using *a special flushing
> >>>> machine) appears to be:
> >>>> 1- remove tranny cover and replace gasket and filter, clean it all
> >>>> up
> >>>> and replace
> >>>> 2- top up fluid
> >>>> 3- remove one end of tranny coolant hose and put it into a bucket
> >>>> 4- start car, run thru gears on tranny, and drain out approx 1 quart
> >>>> 5- shut off car, refill transmission
> >>>> repeat steps 4- 5 until the fluid coming out is the same colour as
> >>>> what you are pouring
> >>>> in.
> >>>> In terms of the fluid, mine takes Dextron III. Apparently higher
> >>>> numbers are all
> >>>> compatible with the lower ones. ie I could use Dextron V. Best not
> >>>> to
> >>>> mix though. You
> >>>> get added benefits with the improvements in the newer mixtures if
> >>>> you
> >>>> upgrade. And
> >>>> more by going to a synthetic.
> >>>> Now - before I proceed, I got this off the web and I am no expert.
> >>>> So
> >>>> does anyone have
> >>>> anything to add to this? Things I should not do? Errors or mis-
> >>>> understandings I may
> >>>> have in this?
> >>>> TIA.
> >>> No biggie but before I change transmission fluid I stick a strong
> >>> magnet to the pan for a few trips. All of the critters stuck to it
> >>> when I remove the pan always amazes me.
> >>> I also clamp a steel straight edge in the vise and true up the gasket
> >>> surface and put very light coat of Indian gasket dope on it to
> >>> position the gasket. Then put in all bolts to snug it up, then tighten
> >>> equally all around until they are a bit more than just snug, don't
> >>> over tighten.
> >>>https://www.rockauto.com/catalog/x,c...,parttype,8600
> >>> Filter kit, $5.97 Fram, with gasket. Check second image for correct
> >>> fit. Also just for ha ha's while you're under there I would change the
> >>> vacuum modulator and hose $16.13. Why, because sometimes the o-ring,
> >>> diaphragm, and/or hose will leak and make your transmission shift
> >>> funny.
> >> Couple of good suggestions there for sure - especially the magnet one.
> >> Never would have thought of that. I'll check on-line and in my manual
> >> for the modulator valve and hose description/picture and where to find
> >> said beasts. I already have the gasket and filter in hand from
> >> Corvette Central.
>
> >> Another suggestion someone made was to replace the old gasket and
> >> filter after cleaning the pan, refill with fluid, run, and drain to
> >> get all of the converter fluid out... then install new gasket and
> >> filter and new fluid again.
>
> > well - on the basis of what I have read and inputs, I think I will
> > adopt the drop the pan, drain, clean filter, button it up and fill,
> > run, and drain again, then put on new gasket and filter, and refill. I
> > will probably be too lazy to do it all again next year, so may as well
> > try to do it well this time around. If I can find a big magnet to fix
> > to the pan ahead of time to trap any debris I will do that too, and
> > maybe swap out the modulator valve and the hose while I am at it. Just
> > depends on my time.
>
> > The next item to be determined is: do I stick with the current Dexron
> > III or move to something like a synthetic that are supposed to have
> > superior properties?
>
> > What's the opinion on that one?
>
> Stick with the original fluid. *It has the right
> amount of "slipperiness."
>
> --
> pj

Yes - thanks. I think I will do exactly that.

On Jun 9, 7:53*pm, Bowser > wrote:
> On Jun 9, 5:22*pm, pj > wrote:
>
>
>
> > Bowser wrote:
> > > On Jun 8, 7:01 pm, Bowser > wrote:
> > >> On Jun 8, 3:24 pm, "Dad" > wrote:
>
> > >>> > wrote in message
> > ...
> > >>>> I need to change the fluid and filter in my 1976 corvette.
> > >>>> I called the local stealership and by the time they are done with
> > >>>> materials, fluid,
> > >>>> labour, and taxes, it is around $350. They wanted over $80 for a
> > >>>> filter and gasket!
> > >>>> Corvette Central - $12.95 or so...
> > >>>> I did some research on the web, and it is pretty straightforward
> > >>>> from
> > >>>> what I see, aside
> > >>>> from the torque converter. Drilling a hole in the torque converter
> > >>>> is
> > >>>> not advised. The best way (aside from using *a special flushing
> > >>>> machine) appears to be:
> > >>>> 1- remove tranny cover and replace gasket and filter, clean it all
> > >>>> up
> > >>>> and replace
> > >>>> 2- top up fluid
> > >>>> 3- remove one end of tranny coolant hose and put it into a bucket
> > >>>> 4- start car, run thru gears on tranny, and drain out approx 1 quart
> > >>>> 5- shut off car, refill transmission
> > >>>> repeat steps 4- 5 until the fluid coming out is the same colour as
> > >>>> what you are pouring
> > >>>> in.
> > >>>> In terms of the fluid, mine takes Dextron III. Apparently higher
> > >>>> numbers are all
> > >>>> compatible with the lower ones. ie I could use Dextron V. Best not
> > >>>> to
> > >>>> mix though. You
> > >>>> get added benefits with the improvements in the newer mixtures if
> > >>>> you
> > >>>> upgrade. And
> > >>>> more by going to a synthetic.
> > >>>> Now - before I proceed, I got this off the web and I am no expert.
> > >>>> So
> > >>>> does anyone have
> > >>>> anything to add to this? Things I should not do? Errors or mis-
> > >>>> understandings I may
> > >>>> have in this?
> > >>>> TIA.
> > >>> No biggie but before I change transmission fluid I stick a strong
> > >>> magnet to the pan for a few trips. All of the critters stuck to it
> > >>> when I remove the pan always amazes me.
> > >>> I also clamp a steel straight edge in the vise and true up the gasket
> > >>> surface and put very light coat of Indian gasket dope on it to
> > >>> position the gasket. Then put in all bolts to snug it up, then tighten
> > >>> equally all around until they are a bit more than just snug, don't
> > >>> over tighten.
> > >>>https://www.rockauto.com/catalog/x,c...,parttype,8600
> > >>> Filter kit, $5.97 Fram, with gasket. Check second image for correct
> > >>> fit. Also just for ha ha's while you're under there I would change the
> > >>> vacuum modulator and hose $16.13. Why, because sometimes the o-ring,
> > >>> diaphragm, and/or hose will leak and make your transmission shift
> > >>> funny.
> > >> Couple of good suggestions there for sure - especially the magnet one.
> > >> Never would have thought of that. I'll check on-line and in my manual
> > >> for the modulator valve and hose description/picture and where to find
> > >> said beasts. I already have the gasket and filter in hand from
> > >> Corvette Central.
>
> > >> Another suggestion someone made was to replace the old gasket and
> > >> filter after cleaning the pan, refill with fluid, run, and drain to
> > >> get all of the converter fluid out... then install new gasket and
> > >> filter and new fluid again.
>
> > > well - on the basis of what I have read and inputs, I think I will
> > > adopt the drop the pan, drain, clean filter, button it up and fill,
> > > run, and drain again, then put on new gasket and filter, and refill. I
> > > will probably be too lazy to do it all again next year, so may as well
> > > try to do it well this time around. If I can find a big magnet to fix
> > > to the pan ahead of time to trap any debris I will do that too, and
> > > maybe swap out the modulator valve and the hose while I am at it. Just
> > > depends on my time.
>
> > > The next item to be determined is: do I stick with the current Dexron
> > > III or move to something like a synthetic that are supposed to have
> > > superior properties?
>
> > > What's the opinion on that one?
>
> > Stick with the original fluid. *It has the right
> > amount of "slipperiness."
>
> > --
> > pj
>
> Yes - thanks. I think I will do exactly that.
----------------------------------------

One other maybe dumb question before I tackle this.

When they talk of cycling thru the gears - do they actually mean the
wheels must be rotating (ie car off the ramps or rear wheels in the
air), or do they simply mean with foot on the brake put it in 1-3 and
reverse & park?

"Bowser" > wrote in message
...
On Jun 9, 7:53 pm, Bowser > wrote:
> On Jun 9, 5:22 pm, pj > wrote:
>
>
>
> > Bowser wrote:
> > > On Jun 8, 7:01 pm, Bowser > wrote:
> > >> On Jun 8, 3:24 pm, "Dad" > wrote:
>
> > >>> > wrote in message
> > ...
> > >>>> I need to change the fluid and filter in my 1976 corvette.
> > >>>> I called the local stealership and by the time they are done
> > >>>> with
> > >>>> materials, fluid,
> > >>>> labour, and taxes, it is around $350. They wanted over $80
> > >>>> for a
> > >>>> filter and gasket!
> > >>>> Corvette Central - $12.95 or so...
> > >>>> I did some research on the web, and it is pretty
> > >>>> straightforward
> > >>>> from
> > >>>> what I see, aside
> > >>>> from the torque converter. Drilling a hole in the torque
> > >>>> converter
> > >>>> is
> > >>>> not advised. The best way (aside from using a special
> > >>>> flushing
> > >>>> machine) appears to be:
> > >>>> 1- remove tranny cover and replace gasket and filter, clean
> > >>>> it all
> > >>>> up
> > >>>> and replace
> > >>>> 2- top up fluid
> > >>>> 3- remove one end of tranny coolant hose and put it into a
> > >>>> bucket
> > >>>> 4- start car, run thru gears on tranny, and drain out approx
> > >>>> 1 quart
> > >>>> 5- shut off car, refill transmission
> > >>>> repeat steps 4- 5 until the fluid coming out is the same
> > >>>> colour as
> > >>>> what you are pouring
> > >>>> in.
> > >>>> In terms of the fluid, mine takes Dextron III. Apparently
> > >>>> higher
> > >>>> numbers are all
> > >>>> compatible with the lower ones. ie I could use Dextron V.
> > >>>> Best not
> > >>>> to
> > >>>> mix though. You
> > >>>> get added benefits with the improvements in the newer
> > >>>> mixtures if
> > >>>> you
> > >>>> upgrade. And
> > >>>> more by going to a synthetic.
> > >>>> Now - before I proceed, I got this off the web and I am no
> > >>>> expert.
> > >>>> So
> > >>>> does anyone have
> > >>>> anything to add to this? Things I should not do? Errors or
> > >>>> mis-
> > >>>> understandings I may
> > >>>> have in this?
> > >>>> TIA.
> > >>> No biggie but before I change transmission fluid I stick a
> > >>> strong
> > >>> magnet to the pan for a few trips. All of the critters stuck
> > >>> to it
> > >>> when I remove the pan always amazes me.
> > >>> I also clamp a steel straight edge in the vise and true up the
> > >>> gasket
> > >>> surface and put very light coat of Indian gasket dope on it to
> > >>> position the gasket. Then put in all bolts to snug it up, then
> > >>> tighten
> > >>> equally all around until they are a bit more than just snug,
> > >>> don't
> > >>> over tighten.
> > >>>https://www.rockauto.com/catalog/x,c...,parttype,8600
> > >>> Filter kit, $5.97 Fram, with gasket. Check second image for
> > >>> correct
> > >>> fit. Also just for ha ha's while you're under there I would
> > >>> change the
> > >>> vacuum modulator and hose $16.13. Why, because sometimes the
> > >>> o-ring,
> > >>> diaphragm, and/or hose will leak and make your transmission
> > >>> shift
> > >>> funny.
> > >> Couple of good suggestions there for sure - especially the
> > >> magnet one.
> > >> Never would have thought of that. I'll check on-line and in my
> > >> manual
> > >> for the modulator valve and hose description/picture and where
> > >> to find
> > >> said beasts. I already have the gasket and filter in hand from
> > >> Corvette Central.
>
> > >> Another suggestion someone made was to replace the old gasket
> > >> and
> > >> filter after cleaning the pan, refill with fluid, run, and
> > >> drain to
> > >> get all of the converter fluid out... then install new gasket
> > >> and
> > >> filter and new fluid again.
>
> > > well - on the basis of what I have read and inputs, I think I
> > > will
> > > adopt the drop the pan, drain, clean filter, button it up and
> > > fill,
> > > run, and drain again, then put on new gasket and filter, and
> > > refill. I
> > > will probably be too lazy to do it all again next year, so may
> > > as well
> > > try to do it well this time around. If I can find a big magnet
> > > to fix
> > > to the pan ahead of time to trap any debris I will do that too,
> > > and
> > > maybe swap out the modulator valve and the hose while I am at
> > > it. Just
> > > depends on my time.
>
> > > The next item to be determined is: do I stick with the current
> > > Dexron
> > > III or move to something like a synthetic that are supposed to
> > > have
> > > superior properties?
>
> > > What's the opinion on that one?
>
> > Stick with the original fluid. It has the right
> > amount of "slipperiness."
>
> > --
> > pj
>
> Yes - thanks. I think I will do exactly that.
----------------------------------------

One other maybe dumb question before I tackle this.

When they talk of cycling thru the gears - do they actually mean the
wheels must be rotating (ie car off the ramps or rear wheels in the
air), or do they simply mean with foot on the brake put it in 1-3 and
reverse & park?

************************************************** *****

Stationary with you foot on the brake. Not a good idea to run your
Corvette through the gears with the rear wheels off the ground unless
they are supported as they would be while setting on the ground. When
you have a good fluid level take it for a short drive and recheck hot.

Also after driving a week, go under and snug all the pan bolts. That new
gasket will lose its initial tension somewhat.

Vito


"Dad" > wrote in message
...
> > wrote in message
> ...
>>I need to change the fluid and filter in my 1976 corvette.
>>
>> I called the local stealership and by the time they are done with
>> materials, fluid,
>>
>> labour, and taxes, it is around $350. They wanted over $80 for a
>> filter and gasket!
>> Corvette Central - $12.95 or so...
>>
>> I did some research on the web, and it is pretty straightforward from
>> what I see, aside
>> from the torque converter. Drilling a hole in the torque converter is
>> not advised. The best way (aside from using a special flushing
>> machine) appears to be:
>>
>> 1- remove tranny cover and replace gasket and filter, clean it all up
>> and replace
>> 2- top up fluid
>> 3- remove one end of tranny coolant hose and put it into a bucket
>> 4- start car, run thru gears on tranny, and drain out approx 1 quart
>> 5- shut off car, refill transmission
>>
>> repeat steps 4- 5 until the fluid coming out is the same colour as
>> what you are pouring
>> in.
>>
>> In terms of the fluid, mine takes Dextron III. Apparently higher
>> numbers are all
>> compatible with the lower ones. ie I could use Dextron V. Best not to
>> mix though. You
>> get added benefits with the improvements in the newer mixtures if you
>> upgrade. And
>> more by going to a synthetic.
>>
>> Now - before I proceed, I got this off the web and I am no expert. So
>> does anyone have
>> anything to add to this? Things I should not do? Errors or mis-
>> understandings I may
>> have in this?
>>
>> TIA.
>
> No biggie but before I change transmission fluid I stick a strong magnet
> to the pan for a few trips. All of the critters stuck to it when I remove
> the pan always amazes me.
>
> I also clamp a steel straight edge in the vise and true up the gasket
> surface and put very light coat of Indian gasket dope on it to position
> the gasket. Then put in all bolts to snug it up, then tighten equally all
> around until they are a bit more than just snug, don't over tighten.
>
> https://www.rockauto.com/catalog/x,c...,parttype,8600 Filter
> kit, $5.97 Fram, with gasket. Check second image for correct fit. Also
> just for ha ha's while you're under there I would change the vacuum
> modulator and hose $16.13. Why, because sometimes the o-ring, diaphragm,
> and/or hose will leak and make your transmission shift funny.