Possible Tranny Problem?

[RickyRacer21]

I'm currently running a 98 gtp as a dirt oval track race and was leading half the race last week til the trans started slipping then eventually just came to a stop. Afterwards I found the cause which was one the lines going to the rad. broke causing the fluid to leak out. My question is what are the chances that the trans is still good? I've since got the line fixed and put a gallon of trans fluid in just to start the car and see if it still shifted, didn't wanna fill it all the way up and waste fluid If trans is shot. Here's the thing tho, I took the car down the street to check everything out and it seems like it has no power and didn't shift to 2nd gear, also hear a chattering noise in engine bay. Would it act like that if it isn't completely topped off w fluid? If so I'm willing to pick up a few more quarts and see if it makes a difference.

[Trannyman95]

Often times when a cooler line blows off and you are unaware of this it is too late by the time you find out what happened and fix the line and refill the trans as the damage is already done. You would have lost more than a gallon of fluid if it quit moving when this happened and that is likely why it isnt working properly. I would definately start by checking the fluid level and make sure it is full. It is a gamble but sometimes works out ok as the fluid leaks out pretty fast if a line blew off and due to low pressure it wouldnt move and hurt anything, but the momement before it is going to be hard on the frictions. Its not going to hurt anything to top off the fluid and see how it works, if not ohh well you are out a few $$ for fluid but at least you know and may make another race or two.

[RickyRacer21]

yea thats probably what im gonna do, trans fluid was almost $15 for a gallon so ill buy another and cross my fingers. Motor starts right up and idles fine but has a chattering sound almost like a valve or bearing that gets louder as you hold the gas down. Could that be anything in the trans if its low on fluid?

[BillBoost37]

There is only one way to find out.

[NegativeOne13]

It also wouldn't hurt to throw some Lucas Tranny additive in it. Cause at this point, its either toast or not in the greatest of shape.

[RickyRacer21]

i havent got time to mess with it yet, too busy replacing a head and timing belt on my other car. Id rather the knocking noise be coming from the tranny and not the motor, even tho the motor does have 250k miles LOL