C4 Transmission smoking (How much damage have I done)

[66moneypit]

I drove my Mustang to work this morning and I was going down the highway, I noticed some smoke behind me. I pull off and it appears to be coming from the side of the car. I figure it's my transmission. I go to over some more and it wouldn't go into gear at all. I just sat there. It didn't matter what gear I tried other than park.
I don't remember if I tried reverse....

I start to look under the car and I can see transmission fluid leaking from where it connects up to the radiator. There's a fair amount of it there. I suspect a hose burst or came loose. I am hoping I didn't burn up my transmission. I wanted to do an AOD swap but not under duress !!!! That C4 only had 4K miles on it.

I haven't started it or done anything since I got it towed home. Any advice before I proceed ?

 

[krash kendall]

Fix the cooling line and put some fluid in it. The TC probably stayed locked while you were driving and then when you stopped there wasn't enough fluid to get going again.

 

[enferno]

what kk said. sounds like once you fix your leak you should (hopefully) be in the clear. the reason why it wasn't shifting was because you leaked out all your fluid, thus the control valves were not operating. the smoking could have been from excess tranny fluid burning off on your exhaust.

 

[1320stang]

I agree about the smoke coming off the possibly broke line and getting on the exhaust. Some rubber line is not made for transmission lines, rubber line for fuel will work though as I recall.

 

[66moneypit]

Any tips on what's the correct rubber line to use ?

It's got to be at least ONE of the two lines running to my radiator so hopefully it would be hard to track down. Talk about scary though....

 

[enferno]

Any tips on what's the correct rubber line to use ?

It's got to be at least ONE of the two lines running to my radiator so hopefully it would be hard to track down. Talk about scary though....

just go to your local auto parts store and ask for a foot or so of fuel line, which you can cut to size for your tranny lines. double triple check that they won't come into contract with the fan or balancer, as i've seen this wear through the rubber before.

 

[mustangdave]

I thought the lines running to the radiator were steel: they are on my 67.

 

[chromedog]

also.... take a close look at the ends of your hardlines, where the rubber is going to go. a little bit of a burr, coupled with vibration will cut the rubber lines. (ask me how i know!)

 

[enferno]

I thought the lines running to the radiator were steel: they are on my 67.

in 65/66, the lines are steel, but the last couple inches are hose to connect the end of the line to the nipple on the rad.

 

[brianj5600]

Fuel line? I would not use it. Autoparts stores should stock line made for transmissions. It is stiffer.

 

[65Stang200]

I ran steel tubing all the way to the radiator. Never had a problem. =D

 

[Iamdiffrnt]

+1 with what KK said. Fix the lines, fill with fluid, put the rear on jackstands and run through all the gears till you get all the air out of your valve body. Top off with fluid ands you should be good to go.

 

[66moneypit]

How long should I run through the gears ? Hadn't thought about air being a problem but I can see where it could be.

 

[brianj5600]

The fluid travels fast. A few seconds in each gear should burp it. Take it easy for a few miles to make sure it is clear of air.