Hi I am new to the forum. I have a problem with my newly rebuilt C4 and I am hoping that someone can point me in the right direction. The transmission is a 1973 C4 that was rebuilt using the B&M transmission in a box kit, with a new B&M 2400 stall converter. The problem that I have is when starting from a stop in drive the transmission starts in second gear and then shifts in to third it won’t start off in first gear. The only time it will start in first is if I shift it in to first. Other than this problem I am very happy with it.
This sounds like a stuck govenor valve. You can access the governor with the transmission in the vehicle by removing the driveline and tail housing of the transmission. This is a messy job but it is easier than removing and installing the transmission.
1974 c4 Paul, It is a vacuum setup. I have two lines coming up from the tranny. Not to sound stupid, but where do these go? I am about to put on the new head I just picked up and she will be up and running by tomorrow afternoon. Thanks, Tim, "cometvirgin"
The larger of the tubes goes to the rear port on the modulator and to manifold vacuum. The smaller tube conects to the smaller front port on the modulator and goes to the EGR vacuum line. You can improve performance by disconnecting the smaller line and plugging it at the source and just run the rear line. None of this will keep it from starting in low gear when Drive is selected at a stop.
Thanks for pointing me in the right direction Paul. I pulled the tail housing and the govenor, only to find that the govenor had come apart. Have you ever seen this happen before? What do you think would have caused this. The parts in the govenor were found in the tail housing and the washer was in the pan with the aluminum shavings. Thanks Derrill
Thanks!!! Thank you Paul. I put the new head on this weekend and she's running great and shifting like a champ. Thanks again!!
Hi I have a problem with the trans of my 1970 Maverick. When the engine and transmission are cold, my car doesn't want to stay into forward or reverse gear. The car mouve 1 or 2 yards then stop like if I put it in netral. I have to accélérate one or two times before the car start to move again for 2 yards and stop again. When every thing is hot, it work fine. Is it the "morning sickness" that you explain on the first page of this topic or is it something else? Thank for your help Sorry for my english ......
It is the symptoms of classic "Morning sickness". The more you rev it to get it into gear - the faster the transmission will stop working at all. Plane to get it rebuilt - soon. Check your local prices and then compare it to the $850 that Broader Performance will charge for a C4 rated at 500hp. It may be cheaper to get one from them than it is to get it rebuilt locally. You will need to use your converter and bellhousing.
For those who are looking for the TransGo 40-2 Reprogramming kit and not finding it look here: www.bulkpart.com has them here: http://www.bulkpart.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=CTGY&Store_Code=2&Category_Code=C-4vbkits The price is very good so it is all you should need. Paul
Thanks for your answer. Now I know what I have to do... Is it hard to rebuild a C4? I'm not a bad mechanic but I never do that. I have read that there is no need of specifics tools to do that. I live in France and I let you imagine the shipping charge if I order a transmission in the US. So, if I can do it myself it will be less expensive. My level in mecanics: Rebuilt a manual transmission and built a turbo engine for a VW Beetle
Order the "bad Shoe Production" video on how to rebuild your C4. The parts you are likely to need are: Master overhail kit intermediate band (flex style) Reverse servo piston assembly Bushing kit Thrust washer kit Green stripe vacuum modulator 10 quarts of type "F" fluid and maybe: one-way clutch spring and roller kit Front pump gear set and if you want to make it better than ever: TransGo 40-2 reprogramming kit Large cooler kit for in front of the radiator. If you use all these parts your transmission will shift well and last a lot longer than a stock rebuild.
I fond all the parts in the TCI catalog except the Reverse servo piston assembly. Is TCI a good brand for those parts? What brand made Reverse servo piston assembly? I prefer brand I can order on Summit web site if it's possible..... Green stripe vacuum modulator is for 74-86 C4. Mine is from 1970. So, that should be the white stripe vacuum modulator. The green stripe can work with my transmission? I asked "bad Shoe Production" if they send their videos in Europe but I think they only sell them in north america.....I 'm waiting their answer....
If your modulator screws in then you will want to use the White stripe modulator. TCI is an expensive place to buy parts - try www.bulkpart.com - for a better price.
