zrated57

1985 Z-28 with a 700R4 tranny. When I put it into drive it stays in first gear and will not shift into second, third or fourth. If I am driving along at say 25mph the engine will be at 4000 RPMs(in first), but when I let off the gas the RPMs will drop to idle, but the transmission is still in gear. (but wont shift into the next gear). Any suggestions? It's very cold outside, so maybe that has something to do with it. The transmissions fluid is full and red. Park, Reverse and Neutral all work as they should. Any replies will be greatly appreciated. THANKS

wcoastflatbeder

TRy manually shifting your trans.Start with shifter in first then progress thru the gears and see if it will shift.If this works let me know I might know your problem

zrated57

I tried that several times and it only knows first gear. Reverse and Park work as they should. Thank you for the reply.

87zjeff

iTrader: (4)

sounds like your 2-4 band is toast...time for rebuild

zrated57

I don't like the sound of that. Is it possible that the governor gear is stripped?

Very odd thing happened, I was driving down the road, stopped at a stop light and waited there for a few minutes, then the light turned green and i went and the tranny went from 1st and into 2nd for two seconds and then right back into first and wont leave first at all. ODD

87zjeff

iTrader: (4)

you can check it but i wouldn't get my hopes up. of course i've had the bad luck that when my first tranny wouldn't shift out of first, it was the band. with this last one, well, the damage was a lot worse.....just my luck i guess. the gov. gear being stripped could possibly cause it so it would be an easy check and fix if it was the prblem.

performabuilt

Check the gov gear its a comon issue

maitlandtron

Yeah its the governer, If any bands or clutches were "toast" it would just slip in those gears. If it doesn't even bother switching gears, the the governer gears are chewed up or its clogged up. A new governer cost me $20.

zrated57

Okay sweet. I love to hear that repairs to my transmission will only cost me $20. Now, about replacing this governor gear... I've read that it's easy to do, but what's the procedure exactly. What tools will I need and will I have to drop the transmission down? Are there specific adjustments that need to be made after the installation of a new gear?

Thanks to everyone for replying.

Love this forum.

maitlandtron

The black cover in the picture I attached is the governer cover. You can pry it off with a large screwdriver and a hammer if needed. Then the governer will twist out. If the gears look good give the governer a good cleaning. When you put the cover back on make sure to tap the lip only. Don't tap the center, it will dent and bind the governer. Hopefully this is your problem. I definately beats a rebuild.

zrated57

Alright, sounds like this wont be much of a problem at all. I'll let ya know how it goes.

Happy New Year

Lucid

iTrader: (4)

When you take the Governor out, there will be these two flappy looking things at the end that almost look like wings. When you open them the valve in the middle will move up and down.

I wouldnt put a used one back in, just go with a new one. Also check to see if that plastic gear at the end is chewed up.

When i pulled mine out i got one from a Corvette, which raises the shift point.

You are also going to need a Governor Cover gasket.

When i pulled the governor out a lot of fluid came out.

Also, i had to lower the transmission, drop the crossmember and lower it down to reach the governor access cover.

Good luck!

maitlandtron

Yeah I forgot to mention that. Use an oil drain pan, you will probably lose about one quart of fluid. Although I didn't have to lower my tranny, you might have to. I guess I have small hands or something...

zrated57

I will keep those things in mind. I might as well do a filter & fluid change on the tranny while I'm under there. Is this a part that can typically be found at local auto part stores or will I have to make a trip to the dealership for one?

Lucid

iTrader: (4)

I bought mine from a local shop that sells transmission parts and builds performance transmissions.

I dont think that the average parts place has them, mostly transmission shops.

I think i spent $27 on mine. They can be rebuilt but i was too lazy to take it apart and mess with the weights.

maitlandtron

look in your directory and find a tranny parts store. If not, some tranny shops carry parts. Of corse the dealer is an option. Luckily for me there was a place down the street called Dacco/Detrot Transmission parts.

zrated57

We have a lot of transmission shops in the area, so I highly doubt I'll have any trouble finding one, but I guess ya never know anymore. Since these trannys are very common though, it should be easy as pi. Thanks all who replied. It really does make a difference having people who know everything in one spot. You all rock.