I am still having same problem with my Transmission although now its a little worse.Slow to engage in drive or reverse until it builds up pressure by letting it run or revving engine which results in a noticeable "hard" engagement-drive or reverse.When I redid my motor 3 years ago I replaced the front Pump seal as a precaution.I did not replace the pump gasket which I think is actually rubber.Couldn't find a replacement.Could this now be causing the slow buildup of fluid pressure?The trans is fine once its driven and warmed up.Shifts fine.Any Fordo experts out there?

  

Thanks Pete! I have heard some positives regarding the Lucas chemicals.Worth a try.

  

Mark

If the problem with your FOM is old seals that are hard when cold an inexpensive thing to try is Lucas transmission conditioner. It worked for me on a transmission that also had " morning sickness". It sounds like snake oil but try a Google search and make up your own mind. Pete

Thanks John.I guess time is catching up with the Transmission too.For now I will have to let it run for a couple of mins when I first start it.Can't afford to do anything right now and that's if I can find someone familiar with these.Hope I don't lose drive altogether for now.

  

Sounds like trouble in the forward clutch. That's the very front rotating unit. Either the clutch plates are worn excessively or the seals are hard. A worn sealing ring on the shaft could also be a problem, but not very likely. The forward clutch applies in all the forward gears, but not reverse.

John - "The Hoosier Hurricane"

The same thing happens when in Lo or Drive.Does this indicate what the cause might be?The trans shifts fine once its driven.

  

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"

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 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

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?