Is this normal? This a pic of inside trans pan, C6 in a 78 F150. Does the trans filter always have that kind of mark on the bottom of the pan. That is a dent to the side.

 

Should mention this started out as won't engage any gear. Starting with the simplest thing first. Not that good at automatics to start with.

 

From recollection, my immediate response is "no, there is no 'mark' or detent inside the pan on a 2WD C6 where the filter is placed".

From first glance, it would appear that the suction hole for the filter was sitting too closely to the pan... or that the pan has been bent/damaged in such a way that it's closed the gap between the filter housing and the bottom of the pan.

Either way, it wouldn't be good for the transmission as it would be struggling to suck fluid up into the filter with the pan that close.

I doubt you've done any damage to the C6 if this holds true (starved for fluid). An easy way to tell if everything is alright would be to create a "divot" or "detent" in the pan exactly where the 'mark' in the photo is so you're no longer starving the trans for fluid... Basically just putting it back to normal. Then simply bolt the pan back on, fill with fluid, and see what it does when you try to toss it in gear.

However.... my "while you're there" senses are tingling! It'd be best to have a look around up inside the trans before you bolt everything back up. Maybe even take the valve body out, give it a good cleaning, and check it over before reassembly.

Those are just my thoughts though. I could be out to lunch. I'm sure others will chime in.

 

I'll tag onto what Aaron just said. It would make sense the problem you are having being a fluid starvation issue. I'd be more concerned about the transmission if that fluid was black or there was clutch plate sludge in the bottom or shiny metallic flakes. Unless all those little bumps are metal flakes. They look like bubbles from what I can tell from the pic though.

 

Was the proper 2wd filter installed and not the 4x4 filter?

 

Thanks guys. Those were bubbles except the large piece, gasket material. I've hammered out the dent and gotten new filter, gasket and fluid. Waiting for the rain to quit so I can finish putting it back together. Probably Sunday. Hope this works.

 

It was the right filter, triple checked to make sure.

 

It would have to be the correct filter given the shape of the mark. 2WD filters have more of a 'capped U' shape, and the 4x4 filters have a perfect circle.

 

Finally the weather cooperated. Got the filter changed and fluid added. Started it up and added a total of almost 2 gal. Don't know if the fluid leaked out or what but, it moves under its own power. For now that'll have to do. Other things to fix first.
Thanks to everyone.