727 shift problem

[mopar367]

I am having an issue with a 727 transmission that I rebuilt behind my 440. I took the internals out of a smallblock 727 in good working order and placed them into the cleaned case of a 727 big block. I put everything in one case as it came out of the other. So I am fairly certain that the moving parts are fine. But the problem I am having is, It wont shift out of first gear when its in drive.

The kick down is hooked up and adjusted, reverse works fine too. Bands were snugged up and loosened two turns. I tested the servos with 30 psi air pressure. They were working. I installed a shift improver kit while I was in there and I have a feeling that my problem is valve body related. It is a B&M shift improver kit. Anyone have any suggestions on this? I have a spare v.body but i gotta get it out of another trans. Anyone had a similar experience?

 

[racedodge]

have you checked your governor pressure?

 

[mopar367]

No i have not, how do I do that?

 

[racedodge]

there is a governor port on the tailshaft housing, hook up your pressure tester and then put her in drive and check the pressure reading. pressure should be in between 58-65psi.

 

[mopar367]

Ok, sounds easy enough. I followed the instructions pretty carefully when working on the valve body. Would something wrong in the shift kit install cause my issue?

 

[RustyRatRod]

First thing that comes to my mind is governor issue as well.

 

[mopar367]

What kind of gauge and fitting do I need to hook on to the pressure port? will all my fluid gush out when i undo the plug?

 

[racedodge]

no your fluid will not come pouring out.. not sure on the exact size as my book does not show a spec for that.. just location. just unscrew that one and you should be good.. some fluid might come out, but nothing you cannot replace. just have a drip pan under it.

 

[mopar367]

Ok I'll get myself a gauge. I heard they a gentle reverse bump while rolling forward in idle can purge the governor piston. Is there any truth behind this? worth a shot?

 

[69Bee]

All I can say is OUCH :thatswck:

 

[racedodge]

Ok I'll get myself a gauge. I heard they a gentle reverse bump while rolling forward in idle can purge the governor piston. Is there any truth behind this? worth a shot?

if your governor has something obstructing its usage, a reverse bump may cause it to worsen.

check your pressure first. I may consider pulling the tailshaft housing off and pulling the governor apart just to see if it is tarnished or needs cleaning. easy to do and you can do it with the trans still mounted to the car.

 

[mopar367]

Ok, thanks for all the suggestions guys. When I get a chance to trouble shoot Ill update the post and let you know whats up. I'm going to to remove the tail stock and dis-assemble the governor. Then if its still acting up. I'm going to swap valve bodies.

 

[mopar367]

Today I had a chance to get into the transmission and fix it. I swapped valve bodies with one I knew worked. When i removed the old valve body the strut rod on the front band was bend. I guess the valve body that I installed the shift improver kit in got screwed up somehow. I drove it today and seems better, but it is a little delayed to shift into 2nd gear. Also it is very delayed to shift into 3rd gear. Should I check the kickdown? or could it be a front band adjustment? I have my front band adjusted at 2 1/2 turns out.