Black Sludge

[88hurstolds]

I dropped the pan in my 1985 442 OZ 2004R and found a layer of black sludge on the bottom. The fluid was red, clean and not burnt and the sludge does not mix with the fluid but just sits on the bottom of the pan, probably an 1/8" thick.
There is no metal in the bottom or the pan (indicated by the magnet) and I drug a magnet through the sludge to find out if there was any metal or chuncks of band and there wasn't.
I replaced the torque converter with a rebuilt D5, filled it with Castrol DEX Merc. 6 ($7.50 qt) and replaced the filter.

Is this just typical buildup throughout the life of the trans?
Is this junk from the converter or is it TYPICAL clutch and band ware material?

I have NEVER ran this trans so I don't know what to expect yet... am I in for a rude awakening when I finally start the car and put it into drive?

 

[turboc87gn]

If you dig thru the sludge /spray it with brake clean you will prolly find a magnet thats what i found in a gm non gn trans in my van ...I dunno what it is but i think it may be normal material that is wearing off of parts, metal dust if you will...

 

[88hurstolds]

Magnet was clearly visible, no metal on it. I drug it through the sludge or slime as stated in my first post and no metal was found.

Does anyone have any info on my post?

 

[SSedan64]

It's normal buildup/sediment for Trans with higher mileage.
Clutch fiber material from TC lockup clutch & Trans clutch packs.
Not all metal in a Trans is magnetic, Brass, Aluminum, Babbit from Bushings/Bearings/Washers etc.. This will show up as lighter colored sludge.

Back flush the Cooler & Lines before the Trans install. Brake Clean & compressed air works well.

 

[88hurstolds]

Thanks!
That's what I was under the impression it was

I read somewhere that the bands have a paper backing and that it gets burnt up and turns to black soot/dust just like setting paper on fire... thought that was misinformation.

The trans lines, radiator w/trans cooler and torque converter have all been replaced so I should be in good shape. There wasn't ungodly amounts of the stuff in there and it was all dark/black, no lighter color stuff and no chunks or anything on the magnet after draging it through the stuff.

Regardless I'm gonna have to have it rebuilt soon when I stuff a built up 403 with lots of power. It should work for the 307 for now...

 

[GNeric]

9 times out of 10 the clutches are of a paper design. They will produce the sludge that forms in the bottom of the pan. If the pan has not been off in a long time, that sludge will get thick and the fluid can look perfect.

 

[Alky V6]

Sludge 1/8" thick over the whole floor of the pan is not normal at all and is the sign of a major problem. Black and non-magnetic means burnt clutch material.