Draining the torque converter

[estrellajon]

This may sound stupid to some but after draining the tranny fluid from the torque converter and everything is installed back, bolt, filter and gasket. Is there a proper procedure of applying fluid back into the tranny? Do I pour certain amount of fluid first and crank it. Will the torque converter fill itself once the fluid is in or does it need to be shifted or driven? Any assistance will be great.

[jnenad16]

after you close all the drain plugs, pour about 5qt of ATF and start the engine. let it idle for 20 sec, then while the parking brake and the foot brakes are on, shift into drive, hold it there for another 10sec, then shift into reverse, again hold it for another 10 sec and shift back into park, let the engine run. now go add another quart of fluid, wait for 20 or so seconds between every fill, check the level again, you will most likely need to fill up to 7-8 quarts total. you will know the level is proper when the fluid reaches the middle of the upper range on the dipstick.

nenad

[estrellajon]

Originally posted by jnenad16
after you close all the drain plugs, pour about 5qt of ATF and start the engine. let it idle for 20 sec, then while the parking brake and the foot brakes are on, shift into drive, hold it there for another 10sec, then shift into reverse, again hold it for another 10 sec and shift back into park, let the engine run. now go add another quart of fluid, wait for 20 or so seconds between every fill, check the level again, you will most likely need to fill up to 7-8 quarts total. you will know the level is proper when the fluid reaches the middle of the upper range on the dipstick.

nenad

Thanks nenad. Perfectly said as always. Any recommendations on fluid brands? I read something about the B&M TrickShift being good. Your Thoughts?

[jnenad16]

yes, B&M trick shift is great, but I would also recommend redline. redline, in my opinion, has the best oils/fluids. depending on the year and model of your 202, you can use trick shift or redline's synthetic ATF if your car is pre 96 and synthetic trick shift or redline's D4 ATF if its post 96. but contact redline and B&M to confirm the proper fluid.
you might also want to check out my posts on oils and additives.
http://www.club202.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=5613
http://www.club202.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=5614

nenad

[SLAMMED_C]

just to add to that.. you will need to check the trans fluid level while the engine is running and in park.. with the trans at operating temp of at least 80 degrees..

and also when filling the trans back up with oil.. put in 3L first (any more then this and you will just have a mess all over the floor) then start it up, let idle breifly.. then add more keeping the car running, and keep adding while taking short breaks in between to let oil circulate through, once you have put all the oil back into the trans.. then get into your car and hold your foot on the brake.. run car through the gears stopping for a few seconds in each gear.. then shift down to the lowest gear.. with foot held on brake, hit the gas as well and hold the RPS's up slightly for about 5 seconds.. run through all the gears doing this.