Trans dipstick is dry.

[kenwood]

Just got my '83 244DL running, bought it non-operational for $100. Fuel pump regulator was bad. First thing was to check AT fluid level. Level surface, warmed up, ran it thru gears, let idle in Park for 2 minutes. Dipstick is dry. No leaks in trans that I can find, will be checking lines tomorrow.

I don't have the Owner's Manual, is there one available on-line? I know this is a noob question, but what AT fluid is called for? I found Type F in the trunk, but that's not good enough proof for me...

Thanks for the help.

[jimmy57]

83 is Type F. 1984 is Dexron II (which has become multiple application fluid for transmissions formerly specifying Dexron II, III and Mercon). Your pan has a drain plug with no marking if it is original (or no plug) and if it was replaced by some chance with later gearbox the drain plug will have "D-II" on it.
Dexron in F is a killer, F in a Dexron give firm shifts if a lot of it is added.
F is safest without crawling around under car.
No wetness where driveshaft attaches to flange on back of trans?

[kenwood]

Just went down to look for a wet spot (that's just wrong...) & without a good cleaning I can't tell, will pressure clean the bottom of the car tomorrow and look again. That's great info on the proper trans fluid, It's the kind of thing that will really mess things up if not done right. Thank you for the help again, shows the great side of Texas!

Change oil, add trans fluid & continue cleaning tomorrow. Then replace motor & trans mounts, a couple of ratty belts, polish off some of the paint oxidation and this might turn out to be a nice car. Looks like putting in the new radio might be a bit tight, but with the Alpine speakers somebody already put in, should be worth it. Has a nice Blaupunkt radio in there now, only the clock works on it. Is this stock?

[kenwood]

Oh and there's no drain plug on the trans...Type F it is. I have a 24oz. jug of Lucas transmission additive, will use that 1st.