1975 C4 won't engage following filter change

[Waldo]

Dropped the tranny pan and replaced the filter and gaskets on my stock C4 this weekend. Now the transmission won't engage in any gear.

Tranny was installed new in 2005 and has about 10k miles on it now. No issues with shifting etc prior to filter change. New filter looks identical to old one. And although caught by surprise by the throttle pressure limit valve and spring during removal, I did install it back in proper location. Old fluid was full red color and no debris in pan to indicate any damage. Also, both the original set up and replacement do not have a pick up tube attached to the filter. Following the filter change, tranny took about 2.5 qts of new fluid, which is about how much I caught in the drip pan while draining the old fluid.

So far I have let the vehicle run for a few 5 minute periods with both the gear selector in Park and also in Neutral (yes gear selector and linkage is working fine). Also cycled through all the gears, but nothing happening.

What do I try next?

 

[Slowleak]

Try more fluid. That doesn’t sound like enough.....

 

[77BRONKOTN]

Sounds like you're too tight on the filter bolts.

 

[75MIKE]

And the transfer case is not in neutral.

 

[Waldo]

Sounds like you're too tight on the filter bolts.

Don't think they are too tight. Didn't realize that might have an impact. Didn't find a torque spec for the filter itself. Used 12-16 ft/lb for the pan. What are good filter torque specs?

 

[Waldo]

Try more fluid. That doesn’t sound like enough.....

Dipstick is currently reading just a little over filled. Not sure more fluid will help.

 

[Waldo]

And the transfer case is not in neutral.

Tried the transfer case in all 3 modes...no luck

 

[77BRONKOTN]

I torque mine with a nut driver not much more than hand tight. Maybe 3-5lbs?

"viperwolf" is a resident trans expert on here, he'll chime in.

 

[75MIKE]

Original Bronco deep pan? The reason I ask is if it has a flat car pan and you use a Bronco filter the pan will block the taller filter.

 

[Waldo]

Original Bronco deep pan? The reason I ask is if it has a flat car pan and you use a Bronco filter the pan will block the taller filter.

Interesting question....I'm not sure. Didn't compare the height of original filter vs replacement (from TBP). I suspect I may have the flat bottom car pan as it isn't that deep.

Was hoping to avoid tearing it all apart again, but looks like I get to opportunity to practice my tranny fluid draining skills again. Suspect this might be the culprit. Will advise in a couple days what I discover.

 

[75MIKE]

If I remember right i was able to remove the rubber boot and gain enough clearance on the filter to make it work. Or use a car filter. Then was able to find an OE pan for the next time. This is what happens when you get the tranny back from the shop and don't check and 2 years later you find they removed your OE pan.

 

[Viperwolf1]

Filter bolt torque is 20 inch-pounds or 1.5 foot-pounds.

A mustang II/pinto filter has lower pickup than a regular car filter. Not as low as the Bronco filter and tube though.

 

[TheLimeRanger]

did you put the little spring back in?

 

[MonsterBIlly]

make sure spring and the little check valve made it backnin.

 

[Waldo]

make sure spring and the little check valve made it backnin.

Both made it back in correctly. Suspect problem is the depth of the pan vs filter installed (there is another thread discussing this issue). Will advise validity of theory once pan issue is resolved.