TH400 No First Gear In Manual Shift Position 1

[camaro71/holland]

There you have it.... rear band apply.

Try this (pdf download):
Rear band adjustment

 

[jteenstra]

Thank you very much camaro71! I'll check the servo pin length.

You're in NL are you?! My parents were born there, Dad in Kommerzijl, Mom in Amsterdam. My GF and I were there a year ago. Great time.

John T

 

[budro6968]

Sunday Update...
Thank you for the comments Bud and camaro71.

I removed the rear servo, cleaned it up, found no e-clip retaining the servo pin to the piston.
This makes me think the servo pin was held forward with spring pressure applying constant force to the low/reverse band. This might explain the fair amount of "graphite looking sediment" in the oil pan.
After some reading, I've learned that there is a critical adjusment that needs to be made to the servo pin length when it's in contact with the low/reverse band. Anyone done this in the car?!

View attachment 90925

http://nastyz28.com/threads/proper-pin-length-for-rear-band-th400.18300/ I saw this here on Nasty. It has been many years since I have been in a TH-400. I used to reuse the rear band if it was not beat up. This adjustment was not usually necessary unless I replaced one. Plus not having the GM tool or the extra servo cover to cut up. I did what the guy explained. Push down to see if you get about an 1/8" at least below the edge. There are pin extenders if needed. https://transend.us/search/catalog/free?search=T34913&pageNumber=1&searchType=catalogText I guess you can try to find a new e-clip to get it back together. That may have been all that was wrong.

 

[camaro71/holland]

Thank you very much camaro71! I'll check the servo pin length.

You're in NL are you?! My parents were born there, Dad in Kommerzijl, Mom in Amsterdam. My GF and I were there a year ago. Great time.

John T

Correct. Was already wondering weather you moved overseas or had family roots....

 

[jteenstra]

Saturday Update....

While assembling and installing the valve body separator plate and gaskets into the transmission I noticed ball #6 was jammed in the hole it was in - it wouldn't move. So I pulled the plate and gasket and kept my eye on the location it was in in the trans case. It was in the center support bolt hole pressed against the head of the bolt (this is how it was when I took it apart a couple weeks ago), doh, wrong location! The #6 check ball is for low and reverse. Could be what the problem was all along!

I'll continue assembling.

 

[jteenstra]

Sunday Update....

It's fixed! It's not good having your ball in the wrong hole, the #6 check ball that is! I finished the assembly, filled the trans with fluid, took the Camaro for a ride. Reverse is good to go with no delay. Manual first is good to go as well. 2-1 downshift engine braking is good once I slow down enough it drops into low. Wow, what a relief.
My girlfriend said I should kick back, relax and drink some beer! She's the best!!

By the way, thank you everyone that helped with ideas and recommendations. Greatly appreciated!

John T

 

[biker]

Great work. Nice to see something transmission related turn out well, especially DIY. If I tried that, balls in the wrong holes would be the least of my worries.

 

[budro6968]

Sunday Update....

It's fixed! It's not good having your ball in the wrong hole, the #6 check ball that is! I finished the assembly, filled the trans with fluid, took the Camaro for a ride. Reverse is good to go with no delay. Manual first is good to go as well. 2-1 downshift engine braking is good once I slow down enough it drops into low. Wow, what a relief.
My girlfriend said I should kick back, relax and drink some beer! She's the best!!

By the way, thank you everyone that helped with ideas and recommendations. Greatly appreciated!

John T

I can't resist.... That's what she said!... LOL.. Good deal brother. Glad to hear the problem is solved.