At this point, it sounds like either the pump is being starved, or not working at all. If the forward clutch was bad, you should still have reverse. (using the low/reverse clutches, and the direct). Yes, if you are sure you have the proper fluid level now, time to pull the thing out and get an education on T350's. They really are simple and can be worked on with tools and other item that you probably have around the shop. That T350 book used to be found right at Barnes and Noble.If not Summit, I would think. BTW, what fill tube and dipstick are you using? How did you manage to get it 4 qts. over filled?
Also if it is a b&m tranny it will be missing check balls, probably a duel feed derect apply, so middle sealing ring on front three on pump will be deleted and one seal for piston deleted. Separator plate and gaskets not stock. If it lost intermediate sprag before it probably has accumulator spring delete or accumulator blocked ECT. So be mindful of the mods when pulling apart. And make sure stator tube is tight in pump and hasn't moved. Sent from my Prime10ES using The H.A.M.B. mobile app
All good points. Also probably has a wide direct bushing, maybe double bushed sun gear , shimmed out int. piston..Who knows what it was designed for originally. I hope he shows us what he's got there when he gets it apart. Or at least find someone local who's familiar with hi-po building of 350's.
TH350's work fine, until they don't, then it's rebuild time. It's time for a rebuild. Tell them to make the "usual" enhancements done to TH350's to make them live longer. BUT, I'd look for a TH400 first; better gear spread (I hate the lag between 2nd to 3rd on TH350's), much stronger, and personally, I think they're easier to rebuild than a TH350. I am Butch/56sedandelivery.
Butch , I've got to say , I've driven dozens of both types, and never paid any attention to the gear change drops. Really, very negligible. Our friend here has got more important issues to worry about, like getting the fluid level correct, within 4 qts. ;-) Carry on...
My O.T., daily driver, pickup truck originally came with a 305 engine, and a 700R4 transmission; that transmission went out at 16K miles, dead on the side of southbound I-5 in Redding, California. My Mother and Grandmother were on their way to Texas for my college graduation, coming from Washington State. My Mother had inherited the truck from my Father after his death, only eleven months after he bought the truck. At the time, no one was familiar with the 700FR4, so it was backdated to a TH350; GM ultimately paid 85% of that bill. Then, the truck got passed back and forth, between my Mother, younger Brother, and Me. It seems the only time I got it, there was something majorly wrong with it. That TH350 did't last but a couple of years, and another rebuilt TH350 (this one rebuilt by me), went into the truck. My Mother finally gave the truck to me because it was just too big for her, and she was getting along in age. A couple more years go by, and the transmission went out again! This time, I put a rebuilt by me TH400 in, and could't have been happier; I should have done that sooner. The truck is on it's 4th engine, and 4th transmission; who knows how many tires/wheels, brakes, bearings, and along with all the routine maintenance items over 35 years. It get's used for just about everything and anything. I even used it to take Mom's casket to the funeral home after her passing (long story on the casket). Give me a TH400, over a TH350, anytime. I am Butch/56sedandelivery. The original 305 spun the main bearings after Mom ran it without oil (truck has gauges, not an idiot light, and she was't paying attention). The engine I replaced the 305 with, was a .040 over 327, 340 HP short block (333 CID-my Half Devil engine), with ported/polished 461X [pinned stud heads; the valves had been lightened, and were so thin you could shaved with them. It burned an exhaust valve, taking it out of contention. This is the engine that was in my FED, and is an old school build. Next engine was a Target-Master 350 that dropped an intake valve right after the warranty ran out, and punched a hole in #8 piston, drove the valve head crosswise into the combustion chamber/water jacket. Hydrolocked that cylinder. I salvaged the block, crank, rods, and one head. Current engine is a 305+.030, with a cut down 400 crank and rods, forged 305 dished pistons, and the rotating assembly balanced. It also uses an old Weiand open plenum intake manifold, and Edelbrock badged 625 CFM AFB carburetor. RV type cam, dual exhaust, and the only drawback is the #601 305 heads, with SMALL valves.
Can't match that story, Butch, so I won't even try. How about this one? T350, was originally a Turbo Action, but I changed it back to full auto, with governor. I put the thing in my o/t 4400 lb. Cat wagon with a 70 GTO .040 over 455. I pulled my open trailer and various race cars half-way across the country with it.When I wasn't doing that, me and my ex would bracket race the thing, running low 14's with 2.73 gears. many rounds won ,too. The fluid always stayed bright red..never one problem with it. The car got to be Ohio and Florida rusty, so I pulled the 455, and told the guy in the yard to save that trans.You got a good one. Turbo 400, too much transmission for a SBC , even in a half ton, in MY opinion. I did use them in car haulers, I will admit. My last Class A , 33.5 ft. ,454 used that same short T 400. Towed a trailer for 15 years. A bit overkill for a light SBC vehicle, don't you think?
I got her fixed everyone.. I went the Craigslist route. I got lucky... guy sold his project car. He already had a rebuilt engine and trans.. a short shaft th350 still under warranty. Spent today doing the swap. Runs and shifts perfect. I'm happy again. The old one is on Craigslist if anyone is interested. As far as the 4 extra quarts of fluid... I have no clue. The new one is filled perfectly to the mark on the stick. I'll be able to finally sleep good tonight. Thanks for all the input everybody.
Darn..We were wanting to tear into that thing here on line. J/K Glad you got it going. Lots of good info here for the search function anyway. You ARE selling the old one as a core, right? ;-)
good now you have nothing to lose by tearing it apart. take pictures and post what you find. i was betting on a broken front pump.
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