Transmission / Overdrive: 1951 Commander DG-200 Transmission troubles

[51Star]

I have a little Commander Starlight coupe with the V8 automatic. The tag on the transmission says it's a DG200. When I bought it the transmission pan was loose. Had the wrong size studs in it. I pulled off the pan and the inside of the tranny looked great. I bought the right size studs and put the pan back on. I looked up the capacity on these transmissions and it said 6 quarts. I put in 4 quarts just to see if it had any leaks. Started it and shifted through the gears and nothing. Doesn't even try to go into gear. Thought maybe not enough fluid but when I try to check the fluid level (running with it in low) fluid spits out of the filler tube and I can't get a good read on the level. Does anyone have an idea of what I can try next? There are two wires going to the rear of the transmission. Some sort of solenoid it looks like. They're unplugged at the frame. Does it need this to shift into gear?

[BRUCESTUDE]

The wires are for the “anti creep” solenoid, which won’t affect the transmission operation if disconnected. The anti creep was part of the brake system.

[Hallabutt]

This probably has nothing to do with your issue, but you mention a filler tube-1951 didn't have a filler tube, just a hole in the trans hump with a screwed down cover plate? So are you checking the trans fluid in the cab or under the hood?

[51Star]

Checking the fluid through the trans hump in the floorboard.

[64V-K7]

Checking the fluid through the trans hump in the floorboard.

and check if your dipstick is correct for that 200

http://studebaker-info.org/rjtechjan2023p2.html#dga11

[StudeRich]

Get the Idle RPM down to about 500 RPM, as slow as it will run, and try checking on level ground, wheels blocked in Low again.
If that does not work, get a general idea where the level is, by stopping the engine.

I believe all DG Dipstick/Caps are the same, that should not be a problem.
But if you drained it, it needs a lot more than 4 Qts.

If you drained the Torque Converter or it drained itself, it has sucked up a good part of that 4 Qts. in the converter.

Unless you have the Detroit Gear (DG Transmission Manual, an accurate Capacity Spec. will be very hard to find.

Are you using Type "F" (Ford) ATF or Dexron II/Mercon fluid ?