I have a '63 Ford Falcon. It's been sitting for 20 years. Have been working on it to get it on the road again. 6 cylinder, 170, 2.8L. The transmission didn't have any fluid on the dipstick. So when it was at operating temperature and running, I added a quart of transmission fluid. I proceeded to add another quart when half way thru adding it, the engine began running rough and white smoke billowed out the exhaust. It took 15 minutes for the smoke to mostly clear. Decided to take a break and come back to it. It started fine, no smoke.

Based on what I've been reading, it seems that the vacuum modulator valve needs replaced. Does this sound like I'm on the right track? If so, how does one go about changing the vacuum modulator valve? Is it inside or outside the transmission? Please provide detailed info on how to change. Assume I know nothing.

Thanks for your help!

 

Typically the modulator is screwed onto the rear of the trans. Easy to find, just follow the vacuum line.

 

Thanks 2+2GT.

 

If its been sitting for 20 years I would drain and replace all the fluids, not just add a quart.

 

I have a dumb question. Since one is to check the transmission fluid when the vehicle is running and at operating temp, I was assuming that one should also pour the transmission fluid in while running. Could pouring the transmission fluid in while the engine is running cause the car to the white billow smoke?

 

No, you had it nailed at the modulator being broken, it just happened to be running when you added the fluid.

(Just a coincidence, but my son and I are painting his 64 Falcon today.)

 

Would like to see photos of the '64 with fresh paint.

 

Pre cut & buff

Should have some outdoor pics tomorrow.

 

I get an error when trying to view the photos of the falcon:

63Falcon, you do not have permission to access this page. This could be due to one of several reasons:

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Am I doing something wrong? I just clicked on the link of the images. ex. mitch fal-con.jpg

 

A quick check of the modulator (which most likely really is toast) is to pull the vacuum line. If there's oil in the line or on the end of the modulator the hose came off of, you just nailed it with no question. At the same time, the engine should stop smoking (once it clears out) with the vac line off.

Quiz time: Tell me why the fluid was 2 qts low. (all you old timers hold your responses.)