Originally Posted By: BruceDodge
I have a 1965 Dodge Polara with an automatic transmission. The guy that sold it said he flushed the transmission. It runs fine for about 20 miles and then the transmission filter clogs completely with black sludge. Once I replace the filter it runs fine for 20- miles or so. I am now on filter number 3 any advice before I start using this filter? I have thought about installing a new torque converter because I believe that is what is holding the sludge.
Thanks
You know there's a drain on that torque convertor, right? Remove the torque convertor access plate, and turn the engine until the drain plug rotates into view. Its a plug, don't mistake it for the nuts that attach the convertor to the flex plate. There are four flex plate studs with nuts, and the drain plug will be partway between two of them, usually with small balancing weights tack-welded nearby. Drain the convertor whenever you drain the transmission, and unlike modern cars you can drain ALL the fluid and replace it with new in one shot. About 10-12 quarts, depending on exactly what diameter convertor it has.
Also yours is a dual-pump Torqueflite (if its original to the car). Be SURE that your replacement filter has TWO inlet holes for the two pumps, not the single hole like all the '66-up Torqueflites use. Trivia: you can actually push-start a dual-pump Torqueflite, because the driveshaft pump will generate enough pressure to put it in gear even without the crankshaft pump turning, and eventually the convertor will turn the engine over. You have to be moving relatively fast- say 15+ mph- but it works.
But seriously... its probably toast. No transmission can produce that level of contamination for long and still live. Its either clutch material shedding, or (less likely since its tan in color) coolant contamination.
