Hi All,
My 76 Cutlass Supreme has a strange behaviour that I'm not sure is normal or not, as I'm not well-versed in transmissions. When the car is cold, she starts right up, I let her idle until the choke opens, but when I shift into drive, the car will sit there for a few moments (approximately 10 seconds) then I feel it finally change gears internally. She doesn't do it when the car has been warmed up and driven, only when it's been sitting for a while. Fluid level and condition is fine in the transmission, and once it shifts the car runs beautifully and shifts smoothly in any of the gears. I'm just concerned there may be something wearing out as this transmission is original (as far as I know).

many thanks for any advice
james

 

Often when this happens it's a sign that the trans filter is due to be changed. When the trans fluid is cold and more viscous, it can take a while to get through a restricted filter, but once it warms up and thins out, it flows more freely. Have you checked the fluid condition to see if it's clear and pink?

 

Thank you Joe! The fluid seems good, relatively clear and pinkish. Not long after I bought the car, I dropped the trans pan and replaced the filter and fluid. Played a hell of a time getting the pan resealed again, so I'm a bit nervous to drop it again, but you're right, I should change the filter and fluid again, especially since it's my daily driver, maybe all the gunk from the years have loosened and plugged the filter, definitely wouldn't hurt (and suggestions on how to easily get that pan to seal again are most appreciated)!

many thanks again!
james

 

Be sure the pan rail is flat. It's very easy to overtorque the pan bolts and deform the sheet metal pan. Once that happens, it won't seal properly until you flatten it out.

 

Most filter kits now have terrible gaskets, They are a soft rubber that will not seal. Use an ATP kit with no sealant. You can find them on Amazon.

https://atpautomotive.com/filter-kit-23007

 

Last one I used was a lubelocker gasket for the pan, no sealant needed. Doesn't leak a drop of fluid, but I also upgraded the pan to Aluminum so it was nice and flat.
https://www.lubelocker.com/products/...ssion-llt-g350