My '83 E-150 351W with C-6 trans. will not engage into any forward gear until it warms up for literally 5-10 minutes. After it warms up it shifts fine. Any ideas?

 

A typical cause of this problem is "torque convertor drainback". This condition occurs when the reverse flow check valve or seal in the t.c. leaks A.T.F. back into the tranny when parked. It is normally a slow leak (overnight), and won't harm anything. To check for t.c. drainback, check your A.T.F. level a couple minutes after parking your van with the engine not running. Note the level, then leave the van overnight. Recheck the level in the morning, again with the engine not running. If the level is somewhat higher, you have torque convertor drainback. To repair this, the t.c. or pump may have to be replaced.

 

Jon,
Thanks for the quick response, I'll check it this evening. Does this condition only apply to the forward gears as Reverse engages from the "get go"? Thanks again.