PowerGlide Transmission Questions

[Garry E.]

1) I have a '64 roadster w/ Powerglide and would like to change the transmission oil/fluid. The original service manual recommends a "Type A" variety; the guy at the local auto parts stores recommends Dextron 3. Which one should be used?

2) In changing the fluid, are there additional steps that I should be aware of other than draining the fluid, dropping the the transmission pan and cleaning the screen?

2) I am replacing the original rubber lines up to the cooler. How much transmission fluid do I need to do the entire job?

3) I bought a transmission drain plug from L.I. Corvette with a magnetic tip that would, supposedly, catch the metal particulates circulating in the transmission oil. It looks like a pipe plug rather than the original-looking drain plug. Does it make sense to use this magnetic plug and sacrifice the original look?

[Roy B.]

Re: PowerGlide Transmission Questions

Dextron 3 is OK
Dropping the pan it's easy and cheap to replace the screen filter
You'll need about two to three quarts
Using a magnetic drain plug will catch steel gear wear but the thrust washers that wear are aluminum or brass so it will not,that is the reason GM dint like having a drain plug so that you could replace the filter each time you needed service done.
To really get as much oil out possible would be to disconnect a trans, line start the engine and blow out the fluid , but that can be messy unless your prepared for it.

[Joe L.]

Re: PowerGlide Transmission Questions

Garry-----

If you look for Type A, you'll be looking a long time (unless you find some old, NOS product that I wouldn't even recommend using). Dexron replaces Type A and Dexron III is the latest. That's what I recommend using.

[KEN BUTCHER]

Re: PowerGlide Transmission Questions

Hey Garry,
Just incase you don't want to, or can't do the servicing of the power-glide, you can take it to a well respected transmission shop.

complete fluid flush and filter change. The process involves dropping the pan, replacing the filter. The shop has a machine that hooks up to the fluid lines and it pumps the fluid out of the tranny through the machines filter system. This will clean all the fluid, even the stuff left in the torque converter.
The price is a little over 1 hundred $. Saves you the mess.