1953 Chrysler NewYorker Fluid Drive, How to add Oil to Converter?

[vintagetin]

I have a 53 NewYorker 331 with the M6 4 speed semi auto trans. 1,2 in low range, and 3,4 in high range. 

Looking in a Motors Manual I found that I have the version that do NOT have the separate Torque Converter cooler and oil reservoir so I assumed mine was the version that shares engine oil with the Torque Converter. So, while attempted to do a full oil change (drain the converter) I found that the stuff in the converter is DEFINATELY NOT engine oil. It was a nice clear/gold color. Was very clean. And smelled different. There is no fill cap, or block off plate to remove from the floor or bellhousing to refill it. There is only a plate at 12 o clock, and another at 6 o clock. The Motor Manual says to remove a screen to refill it. There is a screen, but it is riveted to the bellhousing, and it is a the 4 or 5 o clock position. The access plates I've seen on the Dodges are usually at 2 o clock. I know you cannot fill the Converter all the way to the top and some air space need to be present. 

 

Has anyone else seen this combination before? 

And how should I add fluid the converter? 

 

Thanks!

-Devin

Edited September 29, 2020 by vintagetin
wanted to add note that it is an M6 transmission

[Dodgeb4ya]

Do you think the engine is the original?

The 53 Chrysler shop manual only shows the FTD torque converter being used with the 331 Hemi. Having the front engine cooler and reservoir under the bell housing.

You fill that torque converter at the reservoir. I have two 331's like that.

I had a 51 NewYorker with the plain Fluid Drive coupling (not a converter) and you did have to remove the floor access cover to check/fill it at 2 O'clock position.

I've never seen the 331 Chrysler Hemi's with any other type coupling/converter and M6.

The Chrysler sixes, Dodge,DeSoto V8's and Pymouth six did use the combined engine oil system.

But back to your car...seems your car has the std fluid drive coupling that is filled at 2 O' clock position with no access through the floor.

I will do a little more checking on this situation on filling the FD coupling.

You could fill it at 12 O'clock and rotate to the correct position to let excess drain out.....just saying...got to be a better answer!