Water in the vent for the Fluid Drive?

[crosleykook]

Howdy- been away from my '52 Dodge (and hence, this board) for a while, but I'm finally working on the car again!

just picked up a used engine/tranny out of a '50 that I'm planning to swap into my car. The engine was running and driving until the owner pulled it a few months ago when he decided to swap it out for a hotrod.

Here's my question- he had the assembly outside for a few weeks and I'm concerned that rain may have gotten in the screened vent on top of the tranny. I have no experience with the Fluid drive, so I'm not sure what that vents to?

I'm thinking I should drain the fluid and replace, but I've also been advised that leaving a fluid drive alone as much as possible is advisable.

Advice?

[joecoozie]

Hi,

I would leave the Fluid Drive coupling alone. It is a sealed (with a drain plug) system and no water "should" have gotten into it. If you feel you MUST drain it for peace of mind - it wouldn't do any harm. Use 10w (non-detergent???) oil to refill.

However, the screen will allow water to get to the throw out bearing and the clutch plate/pressure plate. I would check those out first.

Joe

[Dan Hiebert]

All those vents are for is to - well - vent the bell housing, the fluid drive unit itself is sealed. The clutch would be my concern, but you don't describe it being exposed to the elements for very long at all. The clutch would merit inspection at least, but I wouldn't worry about the fluid drive unless you want to clean the exterior.

[Rusty O'Toole]

The vent is to cool the outside of the Fluid Drive unit, when the vehicle is in service it will suck in a certain amount of dust, dirt, oil and water. When driving in the rain some water is apt to get in. This does no harm, and there is a screen to keep out big rocks and gravel stones.

If the screen is plugged up you could wire brush it and blow it out with an air hose other than that don't worry about it.

[crosleykook]

when the vehicle is in service it will suck in a certain amount of dust' date=' dirt, oil and water....

If the screen is plugged up you could wire brush it and blow it out with an air hose other than that don't worry about it.[/quote']

That's kinda what I was thinking, but wanted to make sure I wasn't just being lazy. My goal is to just clean up and paint the whole assembly and drop it in the car to get it moving again.

thanks!

[Dodgeb4ya]

Don't drain the fluid drive! Check the level of it after you read your service manual-you do have one I would guess if you like working on your old Dodge? If it's full leave it alone! You just need to drive it for awhile and enjoy!