Transmission "burps" Fluid up filler tube

[420ponies]

Well, Back to the drawing board. Had the Monte all set to get my exhaust connected to the stock manifolds, backed it out of the garage, trail of red stuff. Parked it and let it run , looking for leaks, nothing. Then I rev'd it up, fluid on the ground. When I hit the throttle, I noticed some smoke on the passenger side. I thought must have gotten some fluid on the manifold from checking the fluid (umpteen times). So, common problem with these turbo 400's, is if the vent tube is clogged (probably a mud dauber), it will send fluid up the filler tube. I can't reach to get to the vent tube by hand . So, now I have a hose on the vent tube and I'm checking it with a vacuum brake bleeder pump and sure enough ,it's holding vacuum for about 2 minutes. This means it is clogged with something . If it is not clogged, zero vacuum . So, now I get to take the transmission back out, and see if I can get the vent tube it cleaned out. I've tried a wire and drill to spin inside it.... nothing. When I was checking the dipstick, I had a very hard time seeing where the fluid mark was when I was getting close to the full mark. I'd run through the gears(on stands), no issues. Got t down off the stands and backed it out and saw the trail of fluid. I have solid motor mounts and I don't think the transmission will angle itself down enough to get to the vent tube. Any of you ever had this problem? I know the trans was built right and maybe he just overlooked  the vent tube?  Just another note . Hat's off to the person on here with the shifter detent plate. It Work's Great!!

[jft69z]

Well that sucks, Jim. The old 'two steps forward, 3 steps back' dance.

Hope you get it solved quick.

[Michael Boyte]

Jim, I'm so sorry to hear that. Hopefully you will be able to get everything fixed soon. I certainly do understand the frustration and disappointment, especially when you are so close to completing your project.  We are anxiously waiting as well. You have done a fantastic job in your BIG BLOCK conversion, you've taken your time and you've dotted your i's and crossed your T's . Now it's time to enjoy the fruits of your labor.  I know it will not be long at all until you are on the road and embarrassing quite a few of the Hotrods. Again, Good luck my friend and thanks for keeping everyone updated.

[72 Monte Carlo]

Jim,

If you still have the rubber hose on the vent tube, you could take like an old motorcycle metal stranded cable that's small enough to get into the vent tube to feed it up the rubber hose and see if it will push into the metal tube and clear the obstruction out of it.

[cny first gen 71]

Back several years ago late 80s early 90s I had a chevy truck that spit out the trans th350 I sent it out for a rebuilt got it back and reinstalled it but I installed  the wrong dip stick tube seal in it so it leaked fluid when not running.  I put the o-ring type on dip stick it should of had the bayonet type. Only leaked when shut off. Put the right one in all was good after that. Just a thought. 

[420ponies]

Well, went through all easy stuff to get this transmission back to normal. Didn't work. Dropped transmission and vent tube was packed at least 1" of something. I got it out of the transmission after taking it out of the car and broke the remaining piece off before getting it out of the transmission  case ( which leads to the front pump) of all things. Jam packed with something and it's going back to the transmission guy tomorrow for a full review of anything wrong with it ( seals/ gaskets) .Hopefully we will have a leak free transmission and I am going to make sure that we have the correct speedometer gear installed for the 3:73 gear and 28.5 " tall tire.🙂🙂

[420ponies]

Since the transmission is out of my car right now, why not install the coil over suspension? I have the rear axle coil overs ready to go in this weekend. When the transmission is  re-installed, I'll have the exhaust fixed and then I'll get the front coil overs in and be done! Well maybe..... that's the plan.

[Michael Boyte]

That's a great upgrade, I believe you will enjoy the ability to set your suspension at any desired stance. We originally went with the QA/1 coilover suspension and really did enjoy the flexibility that it would allow.