Notices

Diesel C6 shifting problem

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Jul 25, 2010 | 12:49 PM
  #1  
02X72's Avatar
02X72
Thread Starter
|
Senior User
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 237
Likes: 0
Diesel C6 shifting problem

Im looking at picking up a '88 F350 as a donor truck and the only real issue is the C6 tranny. When i put it into drive, it has a really difficult time shifting through the gears. I can manually take it from first to second with no issue, but it wont shift into third when i go into drive. What could be causing this? Worst case scenario, it needs a rebuild, what can I expect to pay for that? Thanks guys
 
Reply
Old Jul 25, 2010 | 01:24 PM
  #2  
Lazy K's Avatar
Lazy K
Post Fiend
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 8,402
Likes: 10
Probably a vacuum problem. If the vacuum pump was bad you would probably feel the brakes a bit hard along with the shifts. If the vacuum pump is good then could be a defective vacuum pipe, bad transmission vacuum modulator or bad/out of adjustment vacuum regulatory valve (on side of injector pump).
Could also be that the kickdown rod is stuck "on".
Those would be my guesses.
 
Reply
Old Jul 25, 2010 | 01:41 PM
  #3  
02X72's Avatar
02X72
Thread Starter
|
Senior User
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 237
Likes: 0
The brakes are fine and when it does shift the shifts are not hard, so it doesnt sound like the pump. I assume that if it were a bad vacuum pipe, all that would be involved in finding that leak and fixing it, correct? What about that vacuum modulator? I'm not familiar with that, can you elaborate at all?
 
Reply
Old Jul 25, 2010 | 05:36 PM
  #4  
02X72's Avatar
02X72
Thread Starter
|
Senior User
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 237
Likes: 0
Ive read up on that vacuum modulator and alot of the symptoms other people have described seem to fit me. If it is bad, how difficult is it to replace, can I do it myself of do you need a shop to do it?
 
Reply
Old Jul 26, 2010 | 07:12 AM
  #5  
Lazy K's Avatar
Lazy K
Post Fiend
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 8,402
Likes: 10
For the modulator the first thing you need to do is pull the little vacuum pipe off of it and look for signs of transmission fluid in the pipe. If fluid is found then you will need to replace the modulator. If no fluid found then the modulator may not be bad. The modulator is easy to replace, undo the bolt holding it and pull it out and replace with new one but make sure the little rod is in place when you fit the new one.
However I would check the vacuum supply to the modulator first. It seems that the vacuum pump is good so with the engine running at idle, transmission in Park, pull the vacuum pipe off of the vacuum modulator at the transmission and put your finger over the end of the pipe, it should feel like your finger is being sucked into the pipe. If not then you have broken/kinked vacuum pipe/s or the VRV on the injector pump is bad/out of adjustment.
Make sure the kickdown rod is connected and operating properly also.
 
Reply
Old Jul 27, 2010 | 02:24 PM
  #6  
02X72's Avatar
02X72
Thread Starter
|
Senior User
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 237
Likes: 0
Got the tranny all working. The vacuum line that came from the modulator was disconnected up by the injection pump, and the kickdown was way out of adjustment. Thanks for the help guys
 
Reply
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
royalchoppers
Clutch, Transmission, Differential, Axle & Transfer Case
6
Jan 23, 2016 02:47 PM
sweetlou1
1967 - 1972 F-100 & Larger F-Series Trucks
2
Mar 8, 2013 10:18 AM
mitchell390
1973 - 1979 F-100 & Larger F-Series Trucks
5
Aug 25, 2012 01:19 PM
TheKirbyMan
1980 - 1986 Bullnose F100, F150 & Larger F-Series Trucks
18
Jan 10, 2012 01:04 AM
fasch74
Clutch, Transmission, Differential, Axle & Transfer Case
2
Dec 21, 2001 01:29 PM




All times are GMT -5. The time now is 10:10 PM.

story-0
10 Ways Ford is LOSING to the Competition

Slideshow: 10 ways Ford is losing to the competition

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-06-15 09:52:01


VIEW MORE
story-1
Top 6 Best Deals Available on New Fords & Lincolns Right Now

Some great targets in today's expensive world.

By Brett Foote | 2026-06-15 09:35:19


VIEW MORE
story-2
This Hennessey Takes the Expedition Tremor's Off-Roading Capability to the Next Level

Slideshow: The VelociRaptor Expedition gains a lift, upgraded suspension, Brembo brakes, and trail-ready equipment while retaining the stock 440-horsepower EcoBoost V6.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-06-12 11:01:55


VIEW MORE
story-3
Top 10 Fords at 2026 Carlisle Ford Nationals

Slideshow: Top 10 Fords at 2026 Ford Nationals

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-06-09 11:10:08


VIEW MORE
story-4
3 Best / 3 Worst Parts of Modern Ford Ownership

Based on years of owning multiple modern Ford products.

By Brett Foote | 2026-06-09 10:53:36


VIEW MORE
story-5
10 Amazing Upgrades That Solve Common Ford Truck Owner Headaches

SPONSORED: From muddy boots to rain-soaked cargo, these upgrades address some of the most common frustrations Ford truck owners face every day.

By Pouria Savadkouei | 2026-06-08 18:50:34


VIEW MORE
story-6
Every 2026 Ford Engine Explained

Here's everything you need to know about every Ford engine available for the 2026 model year.

By Brett Foote | 2026-06-05 12:58:01


VIEW MORE
story-7
10 Ugly Ford Trucks That We Still Kinda Love

Slideshow: 10 ugly Ford trucks that we still kinda love.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-06-03 09:51:16


VIEW MORE
story-8
10 Things Every Truck Owner NEEDS (2026 Edition)

Slideshow: the best gifts for dads & grads

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-06-03 15:43:58


VIEW MORE
story-9
Rezvani's Latest Post-Apocalyptic Monster Is a Ford F-150 Raptor Underneath

Slideshow: Called the Fortress, the 850-horsepower pickup combines Raptor underpinnings with military-inspired features, survival equipment, and a starting price of $285,000.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-06-03 11:38:36


VIEW MORE