And that after just a month since the last fluid/filter change, if I'm reading everything correctly? If so, I'd be inclined to call it a goner.

If you're going to call it a goner, you might consider upgrading to a PATC Viper. It seems a rational choice to pair with that freshly rebuilt engine to get as many trouble-free miles as possible out of the truck.

 

Yes, it's been about a month of driving. It progressively got worse until it would not move forward only in reverse. We'll have to check out the upgrade. He's thinking about possibly rebuilding himself or dropping it himself and bringing it somewhere to have them rebuild. The truck was probably not worth doing a rebuild on because it cost quite a bit with having to get a new block (through a rod straight through) but it was worth it in the learning department. He is 20 years old and it is kind of sad that most of his friends don't even change their own oil anymore. We want him to be able to diagnose and fix what he can himself. It's much cheaper that way plus you know what quality of parts are being used, unlike taking your chance at the repair shops.

 

That's exactly what we were thinking. I printed out the section on cleaning the solenoid. He's about to take that off. If I'm not mistaken, is there not 2 solenoids and 1 sensor in the transmission? If so, would we need to clean both solenoids?

Looked at the filter and it doesn't look too bad at all. There was maybe 3 tiny flakes on it and some sludge. The pan was mainly filled with sludge but had a few very tiny flakes in it too. He is going to clean and test the solenoid, put it back on with a new filter on it and add fresh fluid. If that gets it moving again, I'm thinking he will need to remove it again in maybe a week?? and put in fresh fluid and filter. Think that would get most of the old out?

I really appreciate all the advice. I will let you know the results as soon as he finishes either tonight or tomorrow night after work.

 

There are actually a selection of solenoids..... but, only one you really have to worry about, as it is the most important.

Governor pressure solenoid.
Fourth gear solenoid.
TCC solenoid.

Last two are at the front of the valve body. (I think...) and either work, or they don't. There is also the pressure sensor back by the gp solenoid.... and they are also prone to failure, but, there is no cleaning those. Just replace it. (but, not just yet.... clean the pressure solenoid first, and see if it makes any difference at all.)

He may also want to check band adjustment while he has it apart......

 

He removed the solenoid pack and cleaned the Governors Solenoid, put a new filter and fluid in and started it up (after jumping it because for some reason the battery was weak) and unfortunately it didn't change a thing. Still goes in Reverse perfectly but nothing in Drive or 1st. It was worth trying though. I think it is going to be time to drop the transmission and rebuild. Now just the question of whether to rebuild ourselves or drop it and bring it in.

 

There is a transmission thread in the FAQ section by J415, that has links to some VERY good resources for the first-time trans rebuilder. If you have the place to do it, I would highly recommend going that route. The money you would have spent on labor, can be better spent on upgraded parts, so you end up with a trans that is far superior to what any generic rebuilder would give you.

On page six of montec's trans corner thread, he gives a list of parts for a build for a member that regularly towed a 7K pound trailer. Use a selection of parts off of that list, and you will have a problem free trans for the foreseeable future.

(I also have the list on my machine here, in txt format, with part descriptions as well, if ya like, PM me your email address, and I can send it to you.)

 

Thanks for the advice. He talked to a mechanic at his work today and he told him to remove the pan again and there are 30 bolts holding the valve body. He told him to remove that and clean it out because it sounds like it could be clogged. He's going to try that tomorrow. If that doesn't do it, the guy figured it was most likely the clutch so he is going to drop the transmission and purchase a rebuild kit and try it himself. If it doesn't seem obvious what is wrong, he can always bring it in to someone else to rebuild.

I bookmarked those pages on the rebuild. One of them was excellent with pictures and step by step procedures. I sent a PM to you if you don't mind sending me the list of parts, that would be very helpful.

Hopefully once this problem is fixed, it will not have any further problems for awhile. We did the rebuild which took awhile since we had to get a used block since his had a hole blown in it. Then we had trouble getting heads that were not cracked but finally got it back together and it ran great. Next came changing the radiator, and then this transmission issue. At least he is getting experience in many different problem areas.

 

Comin' at ya.

Since he is going to be in there anyway..... upgrading a few things really wouldn't be such a bad plan. Extra clutches/steels, maybe six pinion planetarys, etc. Read thru a couple of the guides, to familiarize yourself with the various parts, and I think a few of them even point out the weak points in our trannys'. A fair few of the 47RE parts are direct swaps into the 46RE. MUCH beefier.

 

Theres a thread I did a while ago in the transmission section about pulling the VB. it might be useful to you should you need it.

 

Thanks! I'm going to try and find that. He's still at work but he was going to ask the guy how to clean it and see what he thinks. Would be great if that was the problem but based on his luck so far, I'm thinking it won't.