so i'm new to both site, and in depth mechanics. what i have is an 89, e-350, 460, c-6.i just purchased the van and upon driving it home the (what it felt like was) the tranny disengaging. since I'm no mechanic i figured tranny filter and fluid change. everything is done (thanks to members here) except for refilling the tranny. My problem is that in the procees of refill iv\'ve yet to get a clear reading on the dipstick (it's all over the stick with no clear indicator of level) Sooooo being the mechanical genius that i am i have poured the old fluid back into the new bottles and we're pretty close to even steven. my concern is that what if the level was low to begin with and why can i not feel good about reading the stick

 

UPDATE: tried to drive the van wont engage in any gear drive, reverse, 1 or 2 ??????

 

You have to let the fluid drain down the tube before it'll show the correct level. Start the engine, shift the lever through all positions and then back to park, then check the level. If it's not at the right point, add more, shift it through the gears again, and check again.

 

i did that. ran it through the gears a few times. decided to take a short put and couldn't get to the end of the driveway

 

It doesn't matter how much you took out, but how much you actually need.

There is a breather on the transmission and if it gets clogged you will have a high reading on the stick yet the transmission will be very low.

Look at the breather first.

 

anybody want to help?

 

Did you do as I suggested?

 

Stuart, can you describe the breather and where it is located?

 

also Stuart can you tell me the best way to troubleshoot and clear the breather please

 

It is located on the case just above the front cooler line.

A small cap may or may not be visible, depending if there is any mud n stuff.

When it is plugged the fluid level will show full yet still be very low.