I just finished installing a "craggs list" rebuilt th350 into my 67' chevelle.

I got everything done, put it first into reverse & nothing. No jolt, no change of engine speed, nothing. The same with all the positions.

I looked underneath and there was oil comming from the vacuum modulator hole, because it had popped out! Along with a small cam like rod about 3 or 4 inches long. I've got no idea what it is, but I put it back in and still nothing. It popped out again on the next try, but only after a few revs.

Is the tranny shot, or is it fixable w/o having to pull it?



*Note: I installed it correctly, including: Filled converter with oil, hear the 2 good clunks when I put on the converter, I put about 4 quarts of oil in prior to starting it, with intensions of putting more in once it ran for a short period, I bolted the converter to the fly wheel...ect.

THANK YOU FOR ANY HELP!
http://s672.photobucket.com/albums/vv89/Jake__67/th_P5120128.jpghttp://s672.photobucket.com/albums/vv89/Jake__67/th_GetAttachment.jpg


Before and after...

Is the retainer installed that holds the modulator in? The retainer fits around the stem of the modulator and is retained by a 5/16" bolt just above it. The transmission should hold about 11 qts on a dry fill, including torque convertor. The rod thing you had fly out is the modulator valve. I just don't see any way this could all come out with the retainer correctly installed. The retainer can be installed backwards in which case, it won't hold pressure against the stem of the modulator.

Another note, if it blew the modulator out, this indicates you have pressure, which means the pump is working, so you probably installed the torque convertor correctly.

There isnt a retainer of any kind that I see, just a hole for the modulator. When you put the modulator in there is a noticable thud with a little pushing when it goes all the way in.

Is the a detatchable piece that holds the mod. in?

Did it mess anything up when the valve came out?

Would that valve keep it from going into any gear?

Thanks again for your time.

*I'm going to put in more oil, and hope for the best...

*Note: ... I put about 4 quarts of oil in prior to starting it, with intensions of putting more in once it ran for a short period...

Add more fluid. A new tranny/converter will probably take almost 3 times what you've added.

Your'e gonna need the retainer for the modulator before you go any further. If the boss that the 5/16" threaded bolt goes in is broken off, you need a case saver "Z" bracket that goes under one of the extension housing bolts. Don't move the car while short on tranny or you will smoke the trans.......Saw one smoked on eight quarts.....

Steve O.

Your right, I found where the 5/16ths goes. Going to parts store tomorrow.

Does anything get messed up when that valve pops out?

I think that it won't pick up fluid with the "moddy whistle" out....Atleast a 400 won't, first hand experience..... Just be sure it's clean when you put it back in. You may need to go to a trans shop to get bracket.....

Steve O.

I don't think you hurt anything, just make sure you clean the valve before reinstalling it. Don't waste your time trying to find the bracket at a parts store, do as Steve recommends and go to a tranny shop, and if you not sure how to install the bracket, ask them, i'm sure they would be glad to help you. Then get enough fluid in it!!