C3 Automatic Transmission Problem
Thread Starter
Heel & Toe
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 17
Likes: 0
C3 Automatic Transmission Problem
I fixed up an 81 Vette a little while back. Nearly a complete restoration on the whole car. I have only driven it 1,100 miles since I got it on the road. The transmission was completely rebuilt by a shop that has built over a dozen transmissions for me. Never had any trouble with any of them except this one.
Problem #1. Sometimes when I crank up the car, the transmission will not go in gear. After about 30 seconds, it will go in gear. Does this about 50% of the time.
Problem #2. When I take off from a standstill in 1st gear, the transmission will not shift into second gear once I shift the lever. I have to let off the gas for it to go into 2nd gear. Trans works fine when I leave it 3rd and take off.
I have noticed that the trans is slightly overfilled. Fluid level rises to about 1/4" over the fill line once the trans gets hot.
Any advice? Thanks!
Problem #1. Sometimes when I crank up the car, the transmission will not go in gear. After about 30 seconds, it will go in gear. Does this about 50% of the time.
Problem #2. When I take off from a standstill in 1st gear, the transmission will not shift into second gear once I shift the lever. I have to let off the gas for it to go into 2nd gear. Trans works fine when I leave it 3rd and take off.
I have noticed that the trans is slightly overfilled. Fluid level rises to about 1/4" over the fill line once the trans gets hot.
Any advice? Thanks!
Racer
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 421
Likes: 27
From: Harrisburg PA
when you installed it, did you fill the converter separately, then install? Could be the trans case has plenty of fluid, but the converter does not have enough fluid in it...
Could also be a linakge adjustment--it may not quite be getting into the selected gear, and finally "catches" when enough pressure builds in the case...
Could also be a linakge adjustment--it may not quite be getting into the selected gear, and finally "catches" when enough pressure builds in the case...
Thread Starter
Heel & Toe
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 17
Likes: 0
I always try to get a whole quart in the converter before I install it. However, this is a non-issue because the converter will fill completely when you crank up the engine for the first.
I don't think it is a problem with with the linkage. When it does this, I can't get it to go into any gear.
I don't think it is a problem with with the linkage. When it does this, I can't get it to go into any gear.
Drifting
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 1,781
Likes: 15
From: Oxford Ohio
Get it warmed up then take the fluid temp off the dip stick with an infrared thermometer. Set what the temp is. Some times when you're in the condition where you have to let off the gas to get them to shift there is a pinched or leaking lip seal in one of the clutch packs.
