Too much transmission fluid

Hi,

I wouldn't worry at this point, but it should be taken care of. I would return to the shop the did the work. Often times, they will have a pump which can draw the fluid through the dip stick tube. If you loosen the transmission pan, there is a good chance the gasket (if there is one) or sealant will leak when you it's re-tightened.

Let me know if I can help in any way. Also, take it back. Remember, ATF expands when it gets hot, so if it is at the full hot mark when cold, it's certainly over full.

Take care,
Joe

Hi,

As far as the stripped bolts, you really don't need to remove the entire pan. You will need to tap new threads into the transmission housing. Do you have a basic tap and die set?

As far as what happened, it isn't hard to do. The housing is aluminum with steel bolts going into it. They are easy to strip. You aren't the first and won't be the last. LOL You have no idea how many times they corrode and break on the way out.

As far as the missing bolts, if there is no leak and the others are tight, you should be okay. Just pay attention if it starts leaking. If it does, it won't be an all at once issue. It may start to seep.

Finally, I really feel you will be fine with the transmission. Although you really don't want it overfilled, for a short time, you will be okay. I do have a question for you. When you checked the fluid level, did you check it with the engine running and the transmission in neutral? I ask because if you checked it with the engine off, it can appear over full. Once started, the level will drop. It should be checked with the engine at operating temp and the engine running (idle) and the transmission in neutral. Double check the neutral idea. It will say on the dipstick if it should be in park or neutral, but on many trucks manufactured by Chrysler, it is neutral.

Try to relax. It really isn't as bad as it seems. I can help you get through it. Let me know the answers to the questions I asked so I can properly direct you. I'm here to help the best I can.

Take care,
Joe

Hi,

Yes, it is important to keep an eye out for a leak, It may begin to seep. Now, on a lot of these vehicles, in place of a gasket, a sealant was used. If that is what you have, it should stay stuck together. Please understand, I'm not there and am only telling you what I feel can happen. With that, please keep an eye out for a leak. A 13 hour trip is really extensive and since I now know that, I'm a bit concerned. You may want to have it done before you go. Most parts stores will lend / rent you the set or sell them to you at reasonable prices. And yes, all you need the tap and die set. However, remember, when you tap the housing, you are changing the size and possibly the thread pitch. So, take the tap you plan to use to a store and tell them you need bolts that will work after you tap the housing. On the tap itself the size and thread pitch should be indicated. Make sure to get the same length as well. One last thing, and sorry I'm being so wordy, when you do this, take your time and make sure the tap enters the housing straight. You don't want the hole to be on a slant.

Please let me know if you need help and how things work out for you.

Joe

Honestly, not being there makes it difficult for me. What I would suggest is this. Remove one of the good bolts and take it with you to an automotive parts store or a store that would sell tooling. Show them exactly what you have. Tell them you need to tap the housing to the next size. If they have the bolt in their hands, they should be able to determine exact size and pitch of the threads.

I found this site online. The people that did it did a nice job explaining. Take a look through it.

https://www.google.com/search?q=how+to+tap+a+bolt+hole&rlz=1C1SQJL_enUS862US862&oq=how+to+tap+a+bolt+hole&aqs=chrome..69i57j0l5.7306j0j7&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8#kpvalbx=_SRAZXrnHLZGV5wLSpaiQBA30

Let me know if that helps.

Joe

Hi,

Yes, you could do that. When you go to size it, just go to the next size up. Keep in mind, the original one is most likely metric, so I would go to what is the next size standard. Also, make sure you not only pay attention to the diameter but also thread pitch. Make sure the tap you use is the correct one for the bolt you purchase.

I wish I was there to help. It really isn't that hard, but if you never did it before, it's confusing.

Let me know if you need help.

Joe

Let me know how things turn out. If you need anything, let me know.

Joe

Hi,

It sounds like you are ready. Here is what I would be doing at this point:

Drill the old threads out with 5/16" drill bit so it is straight and clean. (Basically you are cleaning the old threads from the opening) Then, use a 3/8-16 tap. Just make sure to stay straight. Then purchase a 3/8-16 bolt the same length as the original.

When you start tapping the threads, turn the tap in and out while doing it. In other words, one turn in, and a half out and continue that process until finished. That helps keep it clean internally when cutting. Next, and this is extremely important, do not force the tap. You do not want it to break in the housing. You will not be able to drill it out, so be careful. Make sure you use some form of lubricant. They make a cutting oil, but WD40 will work.

Please let me know if this helps, if you have questions, or need help in any way.

Take care of yourself.

Joe