TH-350 question, Help please

Getting old is not all it's cracked up to be. I installed new engine and transmission in my 41 several years ago. Then lost interest until lately and I'm finally getting around to finishing the project and fireing the engine for the first time.
The problem is I don't remember if I put any trans fluid in the converter before ****oning everything up. If I put fluid in the trans and fire the engine will the pump fill the converter? I'm a big weenie and don't really want to pull the engine and trans just because I have a bad memory. Any suggestions? Oh, we're talking about a 350sbc and TH350 combination.

 

The pump will fill the converter, it should be ok. If no fluid shows up on the dipstick, add 4 quarts, and dump in another 4 quarts as soon as you start it up, then check the fluid level and see where it's at (engine running, and wipe the dipstick off well and do it a few times to get a good reading).

If there's already fluid in the trans, then just do the dump in 4 quarts after it starts up bit, and go from there.

 

The pump will fill it, but I wouldn't want to take the chance of running it dry till it did fill. If it were mine, I'd pull it and fill it. If it is dry and any damage is done, bits of metal can end up everywhere and you're looking at ****** problems.

 

if you just keep adding to fill it up it will come out the vent tube on top, too much fluid is not good either ,make sure it shows on the stick, and start it up, see where it is from there,

 

First off, I'm no pro. I am trained but don't have the experience that most of the guys around here do, SO, this is only my .02 based on what I have been through when I had a 4x4 shop.

How long has it all set? If it was a new build I wouldn't worry so much about letting the pump fill it. Since it has set so long I would pull it out and fill it. I bet there are some dry seals and maybe even some stuck together plates in there. I had one that set for about 2 years tear up some friction plates, all the ***embly lube ran down/out. I'd also be concerned about that engine too. Prime that bad boy and then turn it over w/ the coil un-plugged a few seconds. You may have a few surprise oil leaks.....

 

x2 on putting in the 4qts, and then turning it over a few turns without the coil wire too... Have the rest of your ATF ready to pour and fire up...

No need to pull it out though if it won't self-prime, try this first...
I've ran into a few at work that came from "questionable OH facilities"(save a buck now, pay later right?) with worn pump bodies that wouldn't pick up from the pan if your life depended on it...
In that case I'd just prime 'em by pumping some ATF(with squirt can and it won't take much) into the "Pressure side" cooler line fitting, re-connect the line back and fire up ... Always did the trick!