727 with new converter now requires hi rev in reverse to get to engage drive

[minnesota guy]

Hi, I just installed a swap meet converter--which was new---from a swap meet--a guy died and his folks liquidated his stuff....8-.9 inch type....727..... converter..not run before...I had rear wheels off ground....neutral will not engage reverse and 1,2, 3rd gear.....drive.........

I must rev it fairly hi in reverse-then it kicks in....and then I have drive, 2nd, and first gear..........But if I shut it off for awhile...I need to do it all over again.....Acts like it is draining back. or front pump isn't working right...I don't know...It worked fine when I took motor out this fall to rebuild the 440....Has a transgo kit....

Could be junk converter? Maybe tranny is going...front pump?

Thanks!

 

[idrivemopar]

Run it in neutral for a few seconds after startup and see if it goes into gear after that.

 

[minnesota guy]

I was doing that first..that is first thing I try..will sit there and do nothing -it takes me to go to reverse and rev it --then it kicks in...

 

[Car Nut]

Mine did the same thing, but my fluid level was low.

 

[idrivemopar]

With your description, and looking through my service manual there are some general possible causes, low fluid, low hydraulic pressure, clogged filter or maybe sticking valves/servos in the valve body, and yes, could be a problem with the oil pump.

Double check your fluid level and filter first!

 

[minnesota guy]

I took tranny out. Due for rebuild anyway since it had only seen strip time since 2000. Installed the old TCI 8 inch converter. Front pump looked good. No scoring on the gear, and rotated nicely. All together--and it worked as it should. The new converter I installed was a Dayco. It looked unused, and had a roller thrust bearing in it. Anyway, I am going to take that one to a converter rebuilder and have them open it up to see what was going on. That should be interesting. Will report those findings.

 

[dvw]

The converter doesn't know if the trans is in forward or reverse. If it's good in the forward gears, no slippage on a 2/3 full throttle shift, then you likely have a low/reverse band or servo issue. It's the only component besides the high/reverse clutch used when reverse is applied.
Doug

 

[minnesota guy]

All seems good after I had it out for rebuild. Front pump was good. No scoring. I installed new red clutch's and bands. All just normal wear. Back and running, with other converter, just needs a little time in neutral to pump fluid then I have everything working fine. No issues in reverse.

 

[minnesota guy]

it was front pump that had grooves in it and worn out