Could I have hurt my transmission?

[EArp]

I changed my trans fluid and filter today. I did the complete system flush. It's a long story, but in the process of trying to get my fluid level right in the transmission when I was draining the return line the truck idled for a total of 6-7 minutes in neutral with not enough fluid in the pan for it to circulate any fluid through the system. Do you guys think I could have damaged anything by this happening or is there nothing to worry about? I guess the main worry would be the transmission pump since it was running with no fluid to circulate. After finally finishing, the truck seems to run just fine and shifts great. Any replies is greatly appreciated.

 

[WoodChuck]

Not the best thing to do but I wouldn't worry too much.

 

[Heavyweight]

ya dont worry... . Report back in with updates,,,,

 

[rbattelle]

I doubt there was any damage. Even if the pump was running dry, it still has a layer of fluid on all the parts that will protect it. And since it was doing almost no work, there was almost no heat generation.

Ryan

 

[slomodiesel]

Please don't worry. I added an extra deep ATS pan and an extremely large transmission cooler (homemade) and my capacity is now 7 gallons and one quart! Needless to say that is more than the transmission can hold when you try to fill it, hence the fluid has to be added with the engine running and then the valve in the line will hold the fluid in the cooler so it does not drainback to the trans and basically overfill it. I did not know my real capacity so I filled the transmission with the stock amount of fluid and started it and checked. Dry dipstick - so far so good I guess. Shut off added another 2 quarts for the extra 4 pints the ATS provided. Since the engine was not idling I had 3 foot diameter oil slick on garage floor as overfilled the pan capacity but yet oil cooler on front had no fluid yet as the engine was not running hence no pump. Cleaned mess and then left running and kept adding and adding fluid until showed up on the dipstick. Over 7 gallons total. When overfilled earlier without idling it drained out of the front of the new transmission near the front cover behind the convertor. I am sure my pump was dry on a lot of the fill and everything works great. I tow pretty heavy put over 5,000 miles and no problems with transmission or pump so far. Good luck and you have nothing to worry about.

 

[EArp]

Thanks for the replies. I drove from Austin to Albuquerque on Friday the 19th and had no problems. The transmission seems to shift much smoother since doing the total fluid replacement to Amsoil. BTW I averaged 16 mpg (hand calculated) with my jr set on "performance" at 75-80mph bucking a SERIOUS headwind.