Th 350 needs to warm up before going into gear
 

Had my TH 350 in my K1500 rebuilt a few years ago and every winter I have to warm up my truck for 20 minutes before it will go into gear. It gets pretty cold here, down to -16 F a few weeks ago but usually gets to around 14/20 degrees in the morning. Is this normal? Anyone else experience this?
Posted via Mobile Device

Re: Th 350 needs to warm up before going into gear
 

You don't mention fluid level and/or condition being OK. I would check that first.

Re: Th 350 needs to warm up before going into gear
 

Drop the pan and see what it looks like ,maybe time for a rebuild,could just be a filter need s changed

Re: Th 350 needs to warm up before going into gear
 

Alot of the time delayed engagement is due to weak/worn,dried up seals. Would recomend checking fluid or servicing trans with filter. Then go from there.

Re: Th 350 needs to warm up before going into gear
 

Do you have a deep/cooling trans pan installed?

They can cause what you are describing.

K

Fluids are good, tranny was rebuilt a few years ago by a respected shop. Shifts nice and solid once warmed up but on cold mornings it takes about 20 minutes. We've had a colder winter this year so I'm wondering if that's the issue, it's happened a few times over the last couple years but seems to happen more this winter. I work from home so I don't have a lot of miles on the tranny since it was rebuilt.
Posted via Mobile Device

Fluid is full and so clean it's tough to see it on the dipstick.
Posted via Mobile Device

Re: Th 350 needs to warm up before going into gear
 

Mine had to be filled all the way to the full line on the dipstick to go into gear at all. If it was only halfway on the checkerboard, it would do the same as yours at times, others it wouldn't engage at all.I also recommend adding a bottle of Lucas Trans Additive, That stuff has done wonders for me with several vehicles, all GM of course, 3 700R4's and 2 TH350's, It's about the consistency of warm honey. I use all Lucas Products in all my vehicles, fuel, oil, diff's, and trans. Worth a shot, as it's a helluva lot cheaper than a rebuild or replace. Hope this helps

Re: Th 350 needs to warm up before going into gear
 

The seals are old and hard. I seal swellling additive will get it working for a while but be prepared to overhaul it someday soon

Would they dry out in only a few years? It was rebuilt about three years ago and it doesn't have a lot of miles on it.
Posted via Mobile Device