Transmission whines in park and all gears

POPPYFEE

MEMBER
1981 CHEVROLET MONTE CARLO
6.3L
V8
2WD
AUTOMATIC
200 MILES

Brand new engine brand new FTI performance th400 and torque converter When it’s cold it whines in all gears but when it warms up it doesn’t make a sound it shifts well just whines when cold. Added video of cold start. Any advice?

Video (Click to make bigger)

Monday, November 2nd, 2020 AT 4:31 PM

8 Replies

KASEKENNY

MECHANIC
18,907 POSTS

I don't really hear the whining but if it is doing it only when cold that is most likely a fluid issue or pump issue. If this is a brand new unit then I would contact the company and see what they say about it.

However, we need to start with double checking the fluid level just to make sure it is correct. Keep in mind, the only things that know it is cold is the fluid and the metal components inside the unit. Clearly as they get hot they expand so if this only happens while cold we need to start here.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/transmission-replacement-removal-manual

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Monday, November 2nd, 2020 AT 6:16 PM

POPPYFEE

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4 POSTS

This video is before I checked fluid. However, after adding more fluid noise stopped for awhile after I shifted through all gears and let it warm up took it for a spin around a block noticed smoke coming from under car. Upon further inspection transmission fluid leaked out from what looks like gasket by toque converter. I did call Summit Racing and they will warranty it out I’m just trying to pinpoint this problem so it won’t happen when I get my new converter and transmission.

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Tuesday, November 3rd, 2020 AT 4:33 PM

DANNY L

MECHANIC
5,648 POSTS

Hello, I'm Danny.

That sure seems to have a lot converter hub sticking out from the pump seal. You might want to ask Summit why. What stall converter is it? I've attached your picture below. Just adding my 2 cents. Thanks again for using 2CarPros.

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Tuesday, November 3rd, 2020 AT 7:42 PM

POPPYFEE

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4 POSTS

It’s an Fti performance 2800 stall. I asked and all I got was it could’ve been faulty as I had a shop do the work but I’m reconsidering as I paid $1,615.00 plus fluids and I’m not inclined to do the same thing over less than 2 weeks later.

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Wednesday, November 4th, 2020 AT 9:56 AM

DANNY L

MECHANIC
5,648 POSTS

Hello again.

Sorry to hear that. You might want to ask them if they will help cover part of the labor cost as well. It's a long shot but worth a try. Keep us updated. Thanks again for using 2CaPros.

Danny-

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Wednesday, November 4th, 2020 AT 3:15 PM

POPPYFEE

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4 POSTS

So after putting in a different shop to get a second opinion I was told the torque converter was not fully engaged as Danny pointed out which is why I hear a whine sound and missing 1 of 3 bolts on my torque converter. Of course the shop that did the work denied responsibility saying they did everything correctly and the torque converter basically rocked out of place because I have a broken passenger side motor mount and it sheered off one ARP torque converter bolts. Good eye Danny would’ve never noticed if it wasn’t for you.

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Saturday, November 7th, 2020 AT 2:28 AM

KASEKENNY

MECHANIC
18,907 POSTS

Great catch Danny. Sorry to hear the shop denied responsibility. However, converters don't walk out. Once fully seated they are bolted in place to the flex plate so if not fully seated they will stick out.

Thanks for the update. Glad you got it figured out.

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Saturday, November 7th, 2020 AT 3:33 PM

DANNY L