The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Engine Shop How do I clean out my tranny?

To remove my clutch in my '46 GMC I had to drop the tranny (4spd.) Since it is out aside from rebuilding it what is the best way to clean all the years of old oil sludge, sediment and grime out of it? I thought maybe remove the shift tower with it drained and use a varsol sprayer to clean it out then new oil and install. Also by removing the shift tower am I creating any new problems that should be dealt with later. As always any advice is greatly appreciated.

Scott

Put all new gaskets in it while you have it out too. I have a 49 4 speed (not sure if it's the same as 46) but anyway, i took mine apart and washed it in my parts washer, then used the blow gun to blow it dry and get all remaining particles off. Without a parts washer, i'd use a pressure washer on it. Taking just the shift tower off isn't a big deal at all- like i said before you should put all new gaskets in it anyway... they're cheap.

Kerosene its what the old timers used to clean parts

I flushed mine out with kerosene. It will get the worst of the gunk out. One problem that comes from cleaning out too much gunk is that it creates leaks. As long as the gunk is stuck to the housing it won't be causing any problems.

Do I need to actually take the whole unit apart or just fill it with kerosene and swish it around then drain it? and fill it with oil again.

Scott

Just fill it with kerosene and swish it aorun and spin the tranny with it n gear to get it circulated then let it sit for a while and drain