I got a Fordo that is slow to engage drive when first started.Its fine after its been driven.In low or drive no difference.Engine revs up before the car starts to move and I can feel the transmission engage.Fluid level is fine and fluid and filter were changed about 4000 miles ago.Shifts fine when driving.Reverse is OK cold or warmed up.Suggestions?

  

Mark - there is a gauge port on the transmission that will let you monitor the pressure regulator. Do you have a Ford-O manual? - it shows the location and gauge requirement. Maybe the new fluid has changed that setting a bit......

I'd be tempted to put one thread (shortens rod) on the kickdown clevis and see how that works. That will adjust the regulator up a bit.

 
 Steve Metzger       Tucson, Arizona

I will try shortening the rod one turn.I guess the other problem MIGHT be that I used type "F" fluid when the suggested replacement is Dextron?Seems to be some question about which is the correct replacement.Would this be a possible reason for this problem.As I said once its been driven its fine for the rest of the day.Next time its slow to engage drive.I have 2 manuals-one US and one Canadian Ford versions as well as one printed by Snap-On Tools.By the way this is a recent(this year) problem.Been fine until now.Not sure what engages drive in the Transmission but I can feel something "grab" as the engine revs increase(initially).

  

Check the throttle control rod and adjust to factory specs first. Then if needed try Steve's suggestion.

"The Master Cylinder"

Enjoying life at the beach in SOCAL

My feeling is that the intermediate band needs adjusting, or the seals in the intermediate servo are hard and not sealing properly. Reverse does not use the intermediate band. Also, the front clutch pack may have excessive wear or bad seals. An overhaul may be in the near future.

John - "The Hoosier Hurricane"

I,m with john on his thoughts on this.

  AussieBill            YYYY    Forever Y Block     YYYY

 Down Under, Australia

Thanks for the suggestions.There is a front band which requires pan removal to adjust and the rear band which is adjustable externally.Which one are you calling the intermediate band?Reading the Fordo Manual the front Band is applied in the intermediate ratio.The rear band is applied during low and reverse.I would assume you mean the front band which means removing the pan?What other transmission uses the same pan gasket as the Fordomatic or is it one by itself?

  

The subject of using type F fluid in Fordomatics has come up before. It may not be related to your problems, but the original labels usually found on the glove box door of mid 50s Fords, do not recommend type F.

Paul

I've had experience with these Ford Transmissions before , as they get older, the seals go hard in them.When they are cold (as on start up ) oil leaks past the seals , causing no drive for a few minutes, till they warm up.When they are warm the seals expand, sealing the oil in and creating drive.
The only fix, is to reco. the trans. ........but they have been known to go on like this for years, if you can put up with
the inconvenience.
Cheers.

The intermediate band is the one that requires removal of the pan. The FOM starts out in 2nd gear, so this band has to be applied initially when the trans is placed in Dr. Does the delay happen when you put the trans in Lo instead of Dr? If not, that's a good indication that the intermediate (front) band is slow to apply. The front band does not apply in manual Lo. Pan gaskets are still available, as some FMXs share the same gasket as the FOM.

John - "The Hoosier Hurricane"