Transmission won't engage

[Cooper33]

I have just inherited a 67 SWB stepside with 283 with 2 speed auto trans with 49k original miles. It was my grandfathers. It has sat for 2 years, but ran fine before that. Oil levels are fine and clean.

Problem, it wouldn't engage into any gear; R,D or 1. I did find that if I accelerate it would finally catch and begin to move. Bad torque converter? Or possibly just needs to be driven to warm up trans oil?

I need to do brake job before I will attempt to drive further than my driveway.

Thanks.

[too much stuff]

Sounds like it is low on fluid. Did you check it after it is up to temp?
After sitting for 2 years, are the brakes hung up?

[threeonthetree]

yes make sure your fillin the trans well the truck is running!

[Cooper33]

no, haven't got trans up to temp. haven't moved the truck more than 10 ft on it's own power. trans won't heat up just sitting in park, right? brake fluid is gone....lol, bleeding them tomorrow. been stopping with emergency.

[threeonthetree]

the trans should be filled with the engine running in park. if the truck moves and stops with the emergency i wouldnt worrry about the brakes being the problem
really sounds to me like theres not enough fluid in her! which is the cheapest fix haha

[Cooper33]

trans is full of fluid. i mention the brakes because i can't drive around to warm up the trans. but it won't move until i get to, guessing, 1.5-2k rpm.

[threeonthetree]

could be the trans itself you said its a 2 speed does that mean its a 2 speed powerglide if so..
some of those where cast iron i would just upgrade it to a th350 or even something with overdrive..

[threeonthetree]

i'd say if your trans is topped off the trans is junk or needs a rebuild could be the torque converter i not really sure if there bad if they will cause the trans to slip.

the 283 and 2 speed combo sound like there out of an impala or something.

[threeonthetree]

i'd say fill her up and give her hell if she dont get better when warmed up its junk..

[Cooper33]

yes, it's an aluminum 2 speed powerglide. i was hoping it could be something simple and not have to rebuild. and it still could be that it needs to warm up. i thought about upgrading, but want to keep it completely stock.

thanks for your insight.

[threeonthetree]

idk the simplest thing i can think of is fluid level. was that the stock set up on your options list?
it could be something else im not a auto trans gourooo just trying to help bud. hope you get her working!

[Cooper33]

Thanks, I'll keep you posted. Yes, it is all original. My granddad bought her new in '67. It was his truck to drive down to where he parked his cattle hauling big rig.

[threeonthetree]

sweet man i hope you get her fixxed ask some more questions if you need to
i didnt know these trucks came with a 283's or a 2 speed powerglides haha.
ill talk to my shop teacher tomorrow see what he says haha.

[ItsRandy]

If you let it idle the radiator will warm the trans fluid as the engine comes up in temp unless it has an aftermarket trans cooler.
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[Longhorn Man]

even cold, the trans shouldn't slip, and pulling the stick on a cold tranny, should tell you if it is close enough to full to work. (I like seeing it on the lower portion of the crosshatch area when cold)

I think it is time to drain the fluid and change the filter. Odds are it needs a rebuild, however, if you can get it going for 30-ish bucks, that's a lot better than a couple-few hundred on your initial get-it-running assesment.

[too much stuff]

My advice, let the engine get up to temp, after everything is warmed up run through all the gears. R N D L. You don't have to try to drive it, but hold in each gear for 30 seconds or so. Then go to park and check the fluid while running.
Is the fluid still red? Smell it also, and you will know if it is burned.
Good luck

[crazy longhorn]

POWER GLIDE.....the only trans I ever saw act like that , then run another 30,000 miles after a screen & fluid change No doubt, its been sitting for a while? I would do the fluid/filter....bet you that you will be driving it crazyL

[Cooper33]

Thanks guys. I'll keep you posted. Hope to have pics this week too.

[andyh1956]

when you get your brakes repaired, rig up a pusher vehicle to push your truck down the road. put the trans in d & get it up to about 40 mph & see if it catches & goes on. powerglides have two pumps, front & rear & pushing it up to speed will make it shift to high. i have seen these trans act stupid & getting them into high made them go back to work. you can even push start a powerglide vehicle cause the rear pump will make pressure so the converter can turn the engine. they are strange animals!
andy

[JFP Motorsports Div]

Yup, you need trans fluid.... again, just like everyone else is saying... warm it up, and filler up while running. It engages when you speed up the engine since it gets fluid moving... but you need to add some!

Also if it hasn't moved for that long, I recommend just doing a trans. fluid change and filter.

[Cooper33]

Thanks all. Got the engine and trans warmed up, added 2 qts of fluid, trans now engages. Next the brake master cylinder and bleeding the lines.

[Cooper33]

Here are a few pics I posted on Flickr.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/cooper3...7626129965358/

Brad

[Cooper33]

trying again with a pic.