1972 Ford Ranger Water mixed in transmission fluid

ICE_2741

MEMBER
1972 FORD RANGER
V8
2WD
AUTOMATIC
1,500 MILES

I have an old 1972 ford truck with the big block C-6 auto
transmission. It sat for about 3 years. I just recently started it up to check all the fluids. The transmission fluid was pink. Only guessing that it's water that got in through the dip stick not being completely closed. My question is this: after changing the fluid and filter should the friction plates (clutches) still be functional? Transmission was rebuilt with red alto eagle friction plates 200 or 300 miles before being parked. The truck will drive forward and reverse. The stall converter still engages normally. After the fluid change it seems to drag in acceleration. I was told to slowly break in the new fluid
and add some trans medic to get the fluid moving around through the valve body. Also told that the friction plates are possibly fried. What do you think?

1 Reply

PEAR69

MECHANIC
1,482 POSTS

After sitting 3 years, the friction plates probably had no or very little fluid on them. When the engine was started the transmission pump - pumped what ever fluid was inside the trans. Through out the entire transmission. Water is heavier than transmission fluid and it may still be inside of your trans. Especialy your valve body. As far as your friction plates go, drain the fluid again into a clean container, a clear one if possible, if not possible transfer the fluid to a clear container. Look for any pieces of friction plate material, or metalic shavings. (There are tiny metalic pieces in friction plate material). If there is a lot of material then the friction plates are probably fried. If not, you should put fresh fluid back in and change the filter again. The residual water that may be left in the valve body or anywhere else should, in time evaporate. Keep me posted