61 Lark Auto. Transmission Question

[drnittler]

Hi, For my 61 Lark automatic transmission, (six cylinder), is it acceptable if the fluid reads between the bottom and top mark when luke warm? How is this checked and filleld? When cold or hot? Is DextronIII the fluid to use? (The filter was changed about 1000 miles ago).
Thanks.

David G. Nittler

[buddymander]

I'm a stickler for transmission fluid levels. I ran a transmission shop back in the eighties, and I learned a few things about fluid levels. Fluid level is a lot more critical than most people can imagine. Even if you follow manufacturer's instructions, there's still no guarantee that your transmission will have the correct amount of fluid in it. The manual doesn't say "lukewarm" so that means follow the instructions and get it HOT. It makes a big difference in fluid level. If it says check it in drive--then you'd be wasting your time to check it in neutral or park. Make sure it's FULL, even if you have to go buy another quart and then only add half--whatever it takes. I've seen cars that had mismatched parts that would read full but then would slip until they warmed up and the fluid completely covered the filter. Or they would slip going around a corner because the fluid level was low enough to expose the filter and the pump would then suck air. And check BOTH sides of the stick, because sometimes the stick will pick up fluid on one side of it as you insert it. Fluid can cling onto the insides of the tube.

[drnittler]

Thanks for the help. Do I use Dextron III?

David G. Nittler

[raprice]

In my '59 Lark VI, I was told to use Type F transmission fluid. I've been doing that and it's working out fine.
You can get type F from Valvoline.
Rog

'59 Lark VI Regal Hardtop
Smithtown,NY

[64V-K7]

Dexron III - Mercon is Fine, IF you already have it in there. If you don't know what's in it, then it would be advisable to drain the entire transmission & converter and refill it. If you take this route, pull the trans filler tube to drain the body and the converter drain plug to drain the converter, then let it drip out overnight..


Bob Johnstone
www.studebaker-info.org

64 GT Hawk
55 President State Sedan
70 Avanti (R3)