How much transmission fluid does a torque converter hold

[QUOTE]

I *thought* there was quite a bit of fluid in there, but when I dumped the original converter's fluid out, I only got a quart or so and was curious if this is all that was needed when starting up.

I could only pour a little out of my old one as well, but then I set it in a drain pan on 3 deep well sockets and in 2 days got another 2 qts or so out of it. These things got to hold a lot, and the reason I say this is in the factory manual they say to change the fluid, pan drop and filter, that it takes 5 qts. To overhaul it takes 11 qts. So a lot has to be stored in the converter. Also, the reason I noted about wetting everything inside prior to start up come from working in a parts department at a ford garage and being able to watch the transmission rebuilder put them together, I noticed he always soaked the new clutch packs in fluid before reassembly.

4l60e Transmission Fluid Type & Capacity FAQ's

Finding the correct transmission fluid for your car, truck or SUV can sometimes be confusing.  Luckily for us, the 4l60e is such a common transmission that it’s almost too easy to find the right transmission fluid. 

Below are a list of common 4l60e transmission fluid questions and answers to help guide you in the right direction as far as fluid type, maintenance, and more. 

What Type of Transmission Fluid Does The 4l60e Use?

The recommeded transmission fluid for the GM 4l60e is Dexron 3 / Dexron 6 / Dex Merc.

Since its release in 1993, Dexron 3 (Dex III) was the recommended transmission fluid for the 4l60e. Overtime however, Dex III was phased out and GM released Dex VI in 2005.   While Dex 6 is designed for newer vehicles and transmissions, it is backwards compatable with Dexron III transmission fluid.

NOTE: Dexron III cannot be used with transmissions that require Dexron VI.

Eventually, Dexron 3 was combined with Mercon and became Dex/Merc, which is the modern recommeded transmission fluid for 4l60e transmissions.

What Is The 4L60E's Fluid Capacity Dry, With Torque Converter, With Deep Pan?

The fluid capacity of the 4L60e is 12 quarts of transmission fluid (dry / empty). This amount is based on a stock, “shallow”  transmission pan with a 12″ torque converter. With a deep pan, the capacity of additional fluid can vary from an extra quart or more.

Should I Flush My 4l60e?

Flushing a transmission, even the 4L60e is a sensitive subject. Best practice is to do a fluid flush on your 4l60e as long as that has been routine maintenance. If not, then a simple fluid and filter change would suffice.

Best Transmission Fluid For 4l60e

As we’ve already pointed out, the best transmission fluid for 4l60e transmissions is any high quality Dexron 3 or Dexron 6.  

4l60e Fluid Change Intervals

We often get asked how often should I service or change the fluid in my 4l60e?  Often, anywhere from 30-50,000 miles is acceptable, depending on usage.  If your vehicle only sees highway miles, then you can wait to change your fluid when you are at the higher end of the spectrum.  

If you see a lot of stop and go traffic, tow, or race, you should certainly replace the fluid in your 4l60e every 30,000 miles.  If your fluid is dark and or has a burning smell to it, then it is past due, and you may have bigger problems on your hands. 

How Much Transmission Fluid Does A 4l60e Torque Converter Hold?

Depending on the size of the torque converter, the amount of fluid it holds may vary. On average, most 4l60e torque converters hold anywhere from 2 – 3 quarts of transmission fluid.  When doing a typical transmission fluid change with a pan drop, a lot of the transmission fluid does not get replaced, and a good bit is still left in the torque converter.

What Happens If You Overfill A 4l60e?

If you happen to overfill your 4l60e, don’t worry, it’s not the end of the world.  In many cases, an extra 0.5 – 1 quart of extra transmission fluid won’t do much harm, especially on performance applications.  However, if you overfill your 4l60e by a few quarts then a few things might happen such as:

• Fluid will leak out
• Fluid becomes “frothy” or aerated which makes it full of air and creates additional issues including:
  • Inconsistent pressures in the transmission
  • Inconsistent pump  activity

 If A 4l60e Is Overfilled, Where Will It Leak?

The most common place for an overfilled 4l60e to leak from would be the vent tube that is located on the to of the case.  This is used to vent excess fluid as it name implies. 

One of the better solutions to this is to install a deep pan to prevent overfilling your transmission. A factory style deep pan adds an extra quart of capacity.

If A 4l60e Is Overfilled, Where Will It Leak?

The most common place for an overfilled 4l60e to leak from would be the vent tube that is located on the to of the case.  This is used to vent excess fluid as it name implies. 

One of the better solutions to this is to install a deep pan to prevent overfilling your transmission. A factory style deep pan adds an extra quart of capacity.

How much transmission fluid do you put in a torque converter?

Do you have to fill torque converter with fluid?

Does a torque converter get fluid from the transmission?