Trans Question

64 C-10 · Member Joined: 03 Aug 2006 Posts: 126 4152.74 points

My 350 TH trans started acting up today a couple of times. It's a stock trans w/manual valve body and a 3000 stall converter.

I started off from a traffic light and the trans started dragging. it seemed like I had the brakes on. I shifted to second and it worked fine. It did the same thing on a couple more starts.

I'm stumped.

Any ideas ????

Thanks.

af2 · Posted: Thu May 03, 2007 3:22 pm Post subject:

I have had torque converters do that on 2 occasions behind my L88 with a 400.

64 C-10 · Member Joined: 03 Aug 2006 Posts: 126 4152.74 points

Do you think I should replace the torque converter ??

af2 · Posted: Thu May 03, 2007 3:43 pm Post subject:

Transmission problems are usually slippage or shifting from what I've encountered. When my T400 had the same symptoms as yours I was at my wits end till pops told me to ditch the converter. That was 25 years ago and I don't think street converters have changed much.

64 C-10 · Member Joined: 03 Aug 2006 Posts: 126 4152.74 points

Good advice and cheaper than a new trans. Laughing

Thanks.

10sec.et · Posted: Thu May 03, 2007 3:57 pm Post subject:

dont forget to flush out the trans cooler or you will put the metal from the bad converter back into your new one. i would change the trans filter too.

64 C-10 · Member Joined: 03 Aug 2006 Posts: 126 4152.74 points

Thanks for the advice.

Why just in 1st gear ? Second and third are fine and it always doesn't happen in first gear. I also noticed my engine temp a little higher than normal. Can you tell I don't know squat about converters ? Laughing

When purchasing a new converter, what should I look at. When I'm running 55 mph , my engine is turning about 2400 rpm's. Should I look for less stall ? Say a 2200 stall converter ?

Paul P · Posted: Fri May 04, 2007 1:19 pm Post subject:

My guess is the Low/Reverse one way roller clutch. If it is junk the symptom you describe would exist.

64 C-10 · Member Joined: 03 Aug 2006 Posts: 126 4152.74 points

Thanks Paul. I stopped by the shop today and the trans man said maybe the low/ reverse bands and clutches binding or something. I did drive the car again today with no problems. Go figure ?? Rolling Eyes

I'm scheduled for a trans pressure check on Thursday. Maybe that will tell the tale.

I did check the fluid level today and added a pint of trans fluid.

I'm almost convinced the problem is not with the stall converter.

Paul P · Posted: Fri May 04, 2007 9:58 pm Post subject:

if it is the low/reverse one way clutch. The trans has to be gutted it is in the very back. Upgrade it using a 700-R4 one it is twice a tall and has a lot better holding power. It drops right in too no mods necessary.

Knarley Darley · Member Joined: 22 Apr 2004 Posts: 1247 540238.26 points

Paul P good call on the roller clutch. That would be my call also. I doubt the converter is the problem in this case.

64 C-10 · Member Joined: 03 Aug 2006 Posts: 126 4152.74 points

Thanks for the great advice and diagnosis. The roller clutch is definately the problem. I'm getting a trans rebuild kit to solve the problem.

Another question: There is a car show this weekend near by so will it be OK to drive the car ?? When the trans binds, I just shift to second and drive on.

Paul P · Posted: Mon May 14, 2007 1:45 pm Post subject:

Make sure to put the taller 700R4 clutch. It is cheap insurance against failure again.

64 C-10 · Member Joined: 03 Aug 2006 Posts: 126 4152.74 points

I'll do just that. Thanks.

One more question : I'm running a 3000 stall converter. My engine idles at 1200 RPM's. When I put the trans in gear, the engine slows down and I can feel the trans go into gear. Is this normal with a stall converter or do I have a converter problem also ???

beersngars · Posted: Mon May 14, 2007 5:22 pm Post subject: