Opinions On Transmission's Status?

[1984ranger28]

Hi, I took off the oil pan on my 1962 Thunderbird's cruise-O-matic MX and was greeted with the filter laying unattached in the oil pan, and sludge a 1/4 inch thick in the bottom of the pan. The filter was completely covered in this sludge. the car has been sitting for 47 years, so could this be the ATF breaking down? I wouldn't think the clutches could create so much sludge, but I am probably wrong. Here are some pictures.

 

[alwaysFlOoReD]

My guess is that moisture condensed inside with temperature changes. Just a guess.

 

[adsm08]

My guess is that moisture condensed inside with temperature changes. Just a guess.

That was my first thought as well. That looks like moisture got into the fluid.

Tear that baby down.

 

[19Walt93]

FMX transmissions were pretty durable old brutes, I'd try a new filter and fluid(remember to drain the convertor) and run it a while then repeat the process. If you end up needing to overhaul it they're pretty straight forward to do. It's very similar to the Borg Warner CW that was used by other brands, Studebaker for one.

 

[Bird76Mojo]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_O5UkodST70



GB

 

[adsm08]

FMX transmissions were pretty durable old brutes, I'd try a new filter and fluid(remember to drain the convertor) and run it a while then repeat the process. If you end up needing to overhaul it they're pretty straight forward to do. It's very similar to the Borg Warner CW that was used by other brands, Studebaker for one.

In my mind the problem with that is that auto trans clutches are done with a water soluble glue so it can resist the ATF. Getting water through the system can make the frictions come apart.