Just installed a "mystery" transmission that I rebuilt, and getting fluid draining back into pan causing all sorts of issues.
As a preface, the "mystery" transmission I am referring to came out of a donor 2000 grand prix gt with 160,000 miles on it at a junk yard. I have no knowledge about how this transmission ran whatsoever before the rebuild.
As for the rebuild, fortunately I am not referring to the hack jobs of just replacing a few clutches and solenoids and calling it a day, I completely stripped this transmission down to the case and rebuilt with raybestos clutches and borg warner solenoids. I replaced all seals, o-rings, steels, frictions, electronics, bushings, filter, bearings, switches, and new Dex6 after completely cleaning and inspecting every part.
I have also flushed the cooler lines, replaced both axles, wheel bearing assemblies, and radiator just to be safe.
Anyways, on to the issue.... when cold, the transmission shows WAY over filled at the dipstick (yes, I know that you are supposed to check it warm). When warm, fluid level is normal and everything works fine, all four gears, shifts firm when it should, temperature is great.
However, God help me if I try to drive it when it is still cold. Fluid level is high at dipstick, torque converter acts like it is not full, slipping in all gears, does not want to engage properly, sometimes it will work, but it is intermittent.
My only thoughts are:
1. the filter seal felt VERY loose when installing the filter seal, but tight around filter. Could a leak here cause these symptoms?
2. When replacing the bushings, the rear coast drum bushing was WAY too tight and I could not fit it on, so I used some 600 grit paper to remove enough for it to fit. It felt great when I installed it, but if I messed up the clearances, could this cause fluid loss to the pan?
3. Maybe something entirely different that I have not thought about?
Anyways, I'm hoping you smart people here can help me out with this one. It's a pita to wait till it gets warm, but then, am I starving the transmission of fluid and doing damage...?
