Kinda a sounds like a strange thing to do doesn't it...well maybe if you're drunk enough.. Tranny is C4 Auto: Happens when cold and very low speeds and rest. Fluid level is right. 1st gear in Drive mostly and also happens in reverse occasionally. Only for the 1st couple minutes when its cold, then it's fine. This just started not too long ago. Has me kinda freaked. Book says maybe bands, servo, oil pump, valve body, governor? I know you guys know your stuff here. Any ideas what order of the above I should start with? Experience with this anyone?:Teh-Win: :SNSign:
slipping at rest?? thats an odd way of saying it. trans slipping at idle in D?? what type of tranny fluid are you using. im pretty sure back in the day ford was using type F for their autos which had a different consistancy to it (mineral spirits or something) compared to dexron3.. how many yrs and miles on this tranny?? have you done a filter/fluid change latety. most of the components you listed as problems require a complete tear down for inspection.. it could be something as simple as wrong fluid. could be broken vaccum line could be that the filter is not seated properly causing low flow.. could need a clutch band adjustment could need a complete rebuild.. check the basics first ..pull the pan for insp;
There's been no changes to fluid lately. I've always put type F in it. How do I find the vacuum line? Can I use a standard (engine) vacuum tester?
My C-4 has acted like that for years. I have changed the filter and F-Type fluid many times. Finally I just filled it to the correct level of fluid on the dipstick. ( Engine warmed up and running in park. ) Then I added half a quart more and it works fine.
Yeah I've noticed that to in a couple of IIs aswell. Kinda thought that Ford mis-marked their dipstick or something. Try adding 1/2 quart like Cobra 7 says. Otherwise, could check the adjustment on your bands too, thought if it's slipping like that (or hydraulically comming out of gear) messing with the bands probably won't do you much good. The vacuum (vacuum modulator) really only affects the tranny durring it's shifting, either up or down, when a given load is applied.
I battled this problem with my '77, the symptoms you describe were what was happening on mine. First tried fresh type F and filter but that didn't do it, eventually I tore the tranny down and installed new clutch packs in both the forward and reverse-high clutches, this helped but not completely so I had to pull it again and install new piston seals on the clutch pistons...been trouble free now for the last 10,000 miles. I would check the simple things first (fluid/filter), if that doesn't do it, it's probably time for a rebuild. If you decide to try it yourself, don't get lazy like I did and only replace some parts, replace every seal that comes with a rebuild kit the first time! The cost of type F starts adding up when you pull the tranny apart a few times! Francis "Turbo II"
Hey thanks guys. This forum is a life saver. Geez, I hope I don't need a rebuild. I just had it done in 1990 or thereabouts, and I've only put on about 30,000 miles since then. I like the sound of that "it's normal" idea better. It just really sucks if a car's heading for you and you have no gear for a sec Guess I should get that slow leak fixed too.
