1991 Chev S-10 transmission question

[brother chris]

Hi All,
Well, once again I'm having issues with my wonderful truck. 1991 Chev S-10 4X4

So, it's cold here in Canada and my truck does not want to go into reverse when I first start it up. It will go into reverse when it's warmed up....that's not an issue.
Now I have a spare truck that I can swap transmissions, if necessary.
I've read the manual and I'm about to do some checks (gasket leaks, seal leaks, case leaks and fluid check) on it to see if replacing the transmission is required.
Has anyone had this same situation (no reverse when cold) and if so, what was wrong with it and how did you fix it??? I've tried looking on google and have read my book, but I haven't found any answers.
Any help would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks,
Chris.

 

[brother chris]

Re: 1991 Chev S-10 transmission question

Sorry, forgot to mention that the truck is a 4.3 litre and has a automatic transmission.
Chris

 

[ddrieck]

Re: 1991 Chev S-10 transmission question

There might be a valve in the valve body that is sludged up and not letting it function when the trans fuild is cold. Might try dropping the pan an changing the filter and fluid.

If you rev it up when cold, will it suddenly surge backward? If so, the governor valve may be sticking.

one another thought...pull the dipstick and smell the fluid. If it has a burnt smell to it, the trans is toast and on its way out.

 

[Splat]

Re: 1991 Chev S-10 transmission question

Yea my first thought also in a solonoid sticking. They are usually accessable without removing the valve body.

Bill

 

[DECK SWABBER 58]

Re: 1991 Chev S-10 transmission question

Sorry to be the bearer of bad news Chris, but when cold the low and reverse clutch piston seals are probably as brittle as twigs. Especially with the age of the truck and the climate you live in. When the fluid heats up they get more pliable and seal, when cold they don't.

There might be a valve in the valve body that is sludged up and not letting it function when the trans fuild is cold. Might try dropping the pan an changing the filter and fluid.

If you rev it up when cold, will it suddenly surge backward? If so, the governor valve may be sticking.

one another thought...pull the dipstick and smell the fluid. If it has a burnt smell to it, the trans is toast and on its way out.

Could be a valve in vb but usually causes problems in forward gears.

The governor valve has nothing to do with reverse. Tells the trans how fast the vehicle/driveshaft is going and when to upshift when going forward.

Burnt fluid, definitely a bad sign.

 

[Stachi]

Re: 1991 Chev S-10 transmission question

Lucas Oil sells a few additives that help to soften the seals , thats most likely what is wrong...... we used to add a bit of brake fluid into the trans....it makes the seals pliable...high mileage Ford C6 transmissions were prone to this as well.

 

[alumi numb]

Re: 1991 Chev S-10 transmission question

not sure if this applies at all, but.
i had a chevy van with auto and actually broke off the ball at the end of the shift lever.
warm worked fine, cold just would not move.
wd40 in the steering column linkage "all linkage" and worked great there after.
wanted to add the ball broke off on a sunday and i needed the van.
got out the trusty mig welder and die grinder and made a new ball.