C6 trans pan down, this dropped out.

[Starliner]

Any chance that the fluid I used, (picture above), was not compatible with the 6 quarts of Dex/Merc III which was likely in there?

[Starliner]

Shifting is 20 times did not help.
So I bought 12 qts dex merc 3 and will do a full change. Hope it works.

[grumpin]

That’s a bummer! I hope the fluid change does it.

[Starliner]

Nope, still slipping in reverse and no 3rd.
I'm leaning towards misreading the dipstick.
Hard to read which side is the actual level and which is just dipstick tube splash.
I will finish tomorrow thanks.

[Machspeed]

Starliner wrote

Nope, still slipping in reverse and no 3rd.
I'm leaning towards misreading the dipstick.
Hard to read which side is the actual level and which is just dipstick tube splash.
I will finish tomorrow thanks.

Sorry to hear this. Based off the reverse issue, doubt this suggestion but check your vacuum lines.

[grumpin]

Excellent suggestion! Usually the first thing I think of.

[Starliner]

Will definitely do tomorrow.
Sure beats dropping the pan.
Question, I might have put the long 5/16 filter bolt in the wrong hole. I know it certainly could make a difference,  but have you ever heard of it?
I think 3rd and rev use the same clutch.

[85lebaront2]

Your clutches/band on the C6 work as follows:
1st automatic, forward clutch and low sprag clutch (in rear of case)
1st manual, forward clutch and low/reverse clutch
2nd automatic or manual, forward clutch and intermediate band
3rd automatic, forward clutch and reverse/high clutch
Reverse, reverse/high clutch and low/reverse clutch

If you can get engine braking in low (1) then the low/reverse clutch is good, no 3rd or reverse, reverse high clutch is bad or there is a gross leak in the oil delivery seals or clutch seal

[Starliner]

Update, I dropped the pan and all of the filter bolts were loose. To be safe I swapped out filter and gaskets. Fixed.  Just a lesson about not doing even simple tasks with my blood sugar low.

[ArdWrknTrk]

Super glad you figured it out and no long term damage!

[Starliner]

I shouldn't have messed with it.
After replacing the leaky gasket I should have put that 35 year old fluid back and left the filter alone.
With transmissions, it is risky taking all of those particulates out.
Close call.

[Gary Lewis]

Yes, glad you got it fixed.  And I don't agree with the idea that replacing the fluid is bad.  But we can agree to disagree.  

[Danny G]

Starliner wrote

I didnt know the converter had one.
Plus, old school I would rather transfer to clean ATF gradually.

Here is another use for the pump, re-filling is super easy.

I have one of those, kind of hit and miss whether they leak or not. I just got one of their Holt pumps for a deal and a half. Will hold 2.3 gallons. Can draw and refill the oil without getting on the creeper.

[Starliner]

Yeah, its typical harbor freight. Needless to say if they sold insulin I wouldnt buy it, but a 7.00 pump, sure, I am in my third one. Cheap is sometimes good enough.

[ArdWrknTrk]

I have to say, I'm with Gary on this one.
Stirring that mess up could clog some passages but if you were sucking wind because the filter wasn't tight, that would explain it.

ATF has friction modifiers so the bands engage smoothly and don't eat the drums or themselves.
Over time these molecules get torn apart and lose their effectiveness.

If everything is already scored up you may have problems, but not changing (because of some old wives tale) is definitely going to cause damage, long term.

[Starliner]

Ah, very good info. Makes sense.