904 Reverse to drive problem

[scamp80602]

1975 Scamp 318 - 904. I've noticed this problem when cold: I'll start the car, wait until fast idle ends, put the car in reverse - it engages fine - back out of the driveway, put it in drive, give it gas, and it's like it's now in neutral for maybe 5-8 seconds and then it engages into drive. It seems to upshift and downshift normally after that. Any ideas???? Thanks in advance!

 

[C130 Chief]

Classic Torqueflite "Morning Sickness". Warm car up in neutral, at least 15-30 seconds before backing out.

When did you last replace the filter?

 

[scamp80602]

I've only had the car for a month or so - it has 51K original miles and my guess is that the original owner never had the filter changed. I'll get that done. I'll also get the fluid changed out. How about a transmision "flush". Are those recommended?? I promise not to use Jiffy Lube. Thanks!

 

[grumpuscreature]

At 51K you're probably a pint low on transmission fluid. Go ahead and have it changed, but IMO the flush is a waste of money and time. Causes more problems than it solves.

 

[Dusterb318]

The problem is the converter fluid is draining back in to the trans and the pump isn't pushing any fluid in park....so you aren't filling the converter back up until you put it in reverese and you running the converter in reverese while it's a little dry. Warm it up in neutral and then back it up and shift into drive.

 

[scamp80602]

Thanks to everybody for the quick response!!:cheers::cheers::cheers:. Just so I can make sure the correct fluid gets back in the tranny, what is the current available correct fluid type I should have put in it??

 

[C130 Chief]

Are you planning to take this somewhere, or do it yourself? Personally I would recommend doing it yourself, it isn't hard, and would be a phenomenal waste of cash. Sort of like paying somebody to change your oil.

As for fluid, use Dexron III.

 

[scamp80602]

When I checked, it was down a whole quart, and I know exactly why: When we drove it back from CA, we needed to stop and get the radiator replaced - hopelessly rusted out beyond cleaning/repair. They didn't check the transmission fluid after replacing the radiator. I bet the radiator holds a good quart that was lost. Runs like new now! That should get me by until I can change the fluid and filter.