turbo-350 problem

[halljam]

My 72 chevelle has a transmission problem. When the turbo-350 is cold it skips 2nd gear. After driving it for 30-40 minutes it starts to shift fine. Any ideas? I've replaced the mod valve, tranny fluid and filter and installed a shift kit and it hasn't made a difference.
Thanks

[mdcamaro]

Are you saying it goes from 1st to 3rd? That would be a terrible bog. Or maybe it stays in 1st gear for such a short time it just feels that way. Can you manually shift it 1-2-3?

[halljam]

Originally Posted by mdcamaro

Are you saying it goes from 1st to 3rd? That would be a terrible bog. Or maybe it stays in 1st gear for such a short time it just feels that way. Can you manually shift it 1-2-3?

When the car is first moved in the morning it will stay in first gear (like the mod valve vacuum line is diconnected) until it reaches about 25 MPH, then it shifts into 3rd. I can manually hold it in first, move the shifter into second and the engine will free wheel, and then move the shifter into 3rd (Drive) and it will snap right into gear. After 30-45 minutes of driving, second gear starts to work, and then it will shift on its own or I can do it manually and I have all three gears......I have no clue what is wrong with this tranny......

[mdcamaro]

Normally I would say the filter is clogged or the fluid level is low. The next thing is the modulator and the rubber vaccum line. The last thing would be the govenor. It is like a mini distributer on the side of the trans. It spins a set of weights when they are full out the trans shifts. Remove the side cover pull it out, it won't leak much fluid, Take the whole thing soak it in carb cleaner. The weights need to move freely sometimes old fluid forms a vanish and causes it stick. You might need some O rings.

The bad news if all that does not work it means your 2nd gear clutch disk are worn to much. Also line pressure is down maybe you left out a check ball or it is in the wrong place. Double check you valve body directions. The gasket and plate on the valve body is torn or warped causing a leak and over torqueing the valve body will do the same thing.