727 Will not engage

[tenoverthenose]

I?m currently driving my ?81 Wagoneer 258 / 727 / 208 on a road trip through Mexico. Today while climbing up and down a few passes, my transmission started to slip. I immediately pulled over, check the transmission level and saw that it was a bit low, so I added 2 quarts on the spot which brought it up to level. After that I started the Wagon up, let it idle in neutral for a few minutes to circulate the fluid, but when I went to put it in gear it would not engage. Nothing. Park does lock up, but Reverse and Drive both act like neutral.

What should I look for? Does anything come to mind other than a replacement / rebuild? I?m 99% sure it?s not the transfer case. I?ve also verified that the shifter linkage is actually turning the arm on the transmission. About six months ago I did replace the filter / fluid (which look clean then) and I?ve put a few thousand miles on it without a problem. Any ideas?

[gsmikie]

check the bands adjustment

[tenoverthenose]

If only I brought a torque wrench with me...

The bad news is that I'm an hours drive away from a sizable town and 20 minutes the other way to the closest mechanic. If I could get my hands on enough fluid, I'd drop the pan and check the filter, but as it is if I do that I'll have to reassemble it dry.

[joe]

Make sure you didn't bump the tcase into neutral. Easy to check and don't cost anything.

[tenoverthenose]

Thanks, I'm 100% certain the TC is working and the problem is with the 727. The TC lever still moves and the car will hold on a hill in park.

[nograin]

Man that's tough.
Did you try all gears?
Manual 1 and Reverse use different sets combinations engagements.
See here: http://www.imperialclub.org/Repair/L...313/Page08.htm
That might give you an idea if its a clutch pack or band.

How's the throttle linkage? Its got to start moving when the throttle lever moves or the pressures will be low.

[tenoverthenose]

I've verified all linkage is correct, transmission has the proper amount of fluid on the dipstick. Nothing will engage (R, D, 2 or 1) and I also don't think it's likely that the bands slipped that far out of adjustment in one day.

But... I disconnected the cooler lines at the radiator and nothing is flowing when the the engine is running and the transmission is in neutral. It seems like the pump took a dive or something is blocking the flow. Either way, I need to have it towed to a shop and drop the pan. I don't have access to enough transmission fluid here to do that in the field (or fix any potential problems).

[Curly5759]

I've verified all linkage is correct, transmission has the proper amount of fluid on the dipstick. Nothing will engage (R, D, 2 or 1) and I also don't think it's likely that the bands slipped that far out of adjustment in one day.

But... I disconnected the cooler lines at the radiator and nothing is flowing when the the engine is running and the transmission is in neutral. It seems like the pump took a dive or something is blocking the flow. Either way, I need to have it towed to a shop and drop the pan. I don't have access to enough transmission fluid here to do that in the field (or fix any potential problems).

Could you have sheared/lost the Torque Convertor to Flex plate bolts?

[nograin]

Your diagnose of pump or blockage unfortunately seems good.
Let us know how it works out. Only upside may be that 727 parts should be available just about anywhere.

[tenoverthenose]

In shop update:

We dropped the transmission and opened it up at a shop to find the smaller rotor in the oil pump assembly had sheared (what looks like two tabs) off of the shaft. The transmission was not able to build pressure which stopped it from shifting. Of course before that happened it was able to build up heat and did all sorts of damage.

I'm not sure if the torque converter is okay yet, but the bands are toast and the cooling lines are jammed up as well as the radiator and external cooler. The front seals are gone as well, so I'm having the entire thing rebuilt here (along with a complete cooling system flush and fresh oil for my transfer case) for $750.

Hopefully in a few days we will be back on the road. In the meantime, the tacos are delicious

[Ristow]

put a converter in. it's stupid not too.

[tenoverthenose]

Just noticed I didn't include that in my list of with being done, yes we are replacing it too. I just don't know there current state of the previous one.

[Ristow]

transtar used to have decent priced good quality remans. but i believe they dropped the AMC line.

if they still carry them i recommend getting the factory hi stall version-like the I6 models used.

[nograin]

Might be limited choices considering the location.

if they still carry them i recommend getting the factory hi stall version-like the I6 models used.

Curious - what do you like about the higher stall? I've got a guess it may be about a little less sensitve throttle at low speed...

[tenoverthenose]

Actually my wagon has the 258 and I'm just waiting for them to get one into town so I can get on the road again.