72Cutlass_442

Hello all,
My 72 cutlass S has been sitting for about two years now because I moved away and left it with my parents. They started occasionally but never drove it. I just moved back and starter her up. She runs nicely but when I shifted into drive...nothing. I shifted into reverse and still nothing. So I let it run for about thirty min while I checked the transmission fluid which read full, and after thirty mins it engaged into all gears no problem. Any ideas why this would happen??

Thanks for any help!

Oldsmaniac

Did you check with engine running? A low level could cause your problem. Was there leakage of fluid when stored?

Macadoo

And is it still having the problem or was it just the first time? Hopefully other, more knowledgeable members will chime in but I'm wondering if all the fluid drained from the torque converter while it sat.

brown7373

My 72 had a similar problem. It would immediately shift into reverse and I could back out of the garage, but the shift to drive took 15-20 seconds. A fluid and filter change corrected my problem.

72Cutlass_442

Thanks for responses. I did check while the fluid while it was running and it showed full. It may be clogged. The fluid was lower when I first started it but I added some. I probably added about half a qt. I didn't see any leakage though. And this is the second time it's happened. It may need a good cleaning and a filter change. I've never done that before so it's probably due anyway.

72Cutlass_442

Also, does anyone know the total length of the transmission dipstick for a 72 cutlass 350 turbo trans? And how far from the end is it to full at hot? I was just looking at my dipstick and it's actually broken. I'm not sure how I measured the level because the end that has the full at hot is missing. I may now be over full or very low. I bought an aftermarket that is supposed to fit but it's too long. The top is sticking out 2 inches from the housing. But I can cut it and mark it if I have the dimensions. Thanks!

Macadoo

Should be the same as my '71, I'll run out and check. BRB

Macadoo

Looks like from the surface that hits the top of the tube to the end of the stick is 24 inches; give or take 1/16".

72Cutlass_442

That's awesome! Thanks! How far was the 'full at hot' mark from the end so I can mark it? The one I bought was 27 in so that makes sense why it doesn't fit. Thanks again!

Macadoo

Oh, lol, yeah, you might need to know that too. I'll check.

Macadoo

Add 1 pt = 1-3/16" from tip

Full = 1-13/16" from tip

No "Hot" mark.

72Cutlass_442

Thanks! I'll measure it on the aftermarket and see where my levels at. Hopefully I'm just too low and didn't know it.