727 sluggish

[Forgotten 77 Monaco]

I have 1977 Monaco with the 727 Trans. I recently took it to my mechanic to have the trans fluid and filter changed. It sat for many years before I bought it two years ago and has 54,000 miles on it. It was always sluggish after sitting for a bit to go into gear. When the mechanic took it apart there was a small spring ring in the pan that he indicated came from the port that is identified in the picture. He advised to take it to a transmission mechanic. Which I have done. He indicated that when parts start to deteriorate and the transmission is sluggish at
times that is he beginning of problems and will only continue to get worse. Estimated $850 to rebuild.
I have no problem paying that, but wanted to get opinion first if that seems like a realistic analysis or may be something simpler that could be corrected

 

[mmissile]

Change the valve-body, and throw some Lucas trans-fix at it. It's done some pretty amazing things to the transmissions in my beaters.

 

[oldbee]

Was the bottom of pan covered with "stuff"? If not, I'd go with "missile". 54000 isn't all that much, new valve body& fluid..

 

[oldbee]

Also, if you go our way..make sure to adjust low/reg&kickdown bands..Definitely time.If you don't have a torque wrench use a short 5/16 wrench and muscle it pretty tight & it'll be pretty close(with the required back-off)(read it somewhere& it works).

 

[miller]

The torque adjustment to set the bands is in inch/pounds, fairly light, then back off for the clearance.

 

[Forgotten 77 Monaco]

Thanks Guys. I will talk to my regular mechanic about doing this. It will save a lot of money. I am just a novice when it comes to this stuff, so not something I am going to attempt by myself.

 

[oldbee]

The first thing to get is a copy of service manual. Loads of info in there.

 

[mentor70]

id like to see a pick of the "spring", when the valve body is on the trans nothing internally can just fall off. so im very curious.