Hi guys, I need some advice. I replaced the oil pan on the 727 torqflite transmission, used the recommended 1 1/4" spacer, new filter, there is enough oil, but since the replacement, the transmission refuses to engage 3rd gear. Does anyone have experience with what or what it could be? Thanks for the tips! I read somewhere that you need to use both spacers at the same time, but I don't know. What do you think about it?

 

I guess I'm confused. Spacer on tranny pan?

 

I mean the spacer on which the filter is placed. I used the larger one, it should be used according to the instructions.

 

So, if you manually shift from "2" to "D" it won't shift up going down the road?

Is your TV (throttle valve) linkage (or cable kit) adjusted and moving freely? Example here.

What oil pan kit did you use? Could you provide a part number or product page link?

How many quarts does the new pan hold?

When you check the fluid level is the engine hot and transmission in neutral?

What was the condition of the old fluid (color) and filter during the swap?

Did you install the pan gasket dry or did you apply a sealant or dressing to the gasket? I ask because RTVs/sealants are dangerous for an automatic transmission as excess can drop into the pan on assembly.

 

Unfortunately third gear never engages, even when shifting from second.
Pulled and all things are in place. When driving to the service station, the transmission was fine. I used a B&M kit for 727 torqflite transmissions.
The new pams added about 4 liters of oil.
I checked the fluid level both cold and hot, with the engine in neutral and running.
I change the fluid in the transmission every year, I drive about 1000 km a year.
When installing the gasket on the pans, we used sealant, but really only a thin layer as an insurance against leaks.

 

Changing the fluid every year is way overkill, you could get way more service life out of your fluid. Of course there are official service internal numbers but I personally go by fluid condition, if the fluid is cherry red or no driveability concerns are present... I don't worry about it. Automotive fluids are expensive.

As for your main concern it sounds like a contamination issue. Any time you open up an automatic you have to be super clean about it.

For example, On your kit I would have cleaned the spacer and new pan with brake clean and dried them with compressed air. I don't use cloths or shop rags they leave lent.

On the gasket that goes between the spacer and valve body did you install it dry (no sealants)?

 

Try unhooking the throttle pressure valve linkage and see if you can manually shift the trans in all 3 gears? "Don't drive to far"
If it shift all three gears.... Then loosen the Throttle Pressure Linkage setting....