Classic/Antique Car Repair/mustang tranmission

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Expert: - 9/30/2008


Question
  I have a 73 mustang with a small V8 eng. For the last couple of years it has taken 30/60 seconds to go into drive. Reverse is fine. Now sometimes it takes a couple min to go into drive. The car has 73000 miles on it and I have had it the last 15 years. As far as I know the tran fluid has never been changed and the oil is up to the normal mark. Do I dare change the oil in the tran? Our do you think this may cause more problems? Once you drive it the tran works fine the rest of the day. This problem only happens when it has been seating for 24hr or more.
              THANKS    JERRY

Answer
Hi Jerry:
Sounds like the transmission is overdue for a fluid change. If the fluid haven't been change in 15 years, change it and the filter as well. Most likely the problem may be a clogged transmission filter that required the transmission to warm up before enough fluid reaches the gear box. Replace with a heavy duty fluid like Dexron II or III. Both are designed for Ford and GM older transmissions.

If you only drive her occasionally, as a standard rule in old classical cars like yours, you should change the transmission fluid every two years or 20,000 miles and oil every six months or 3,000 miles. And Anti-freeze every two years no matter what the mileage.

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Vern Bullock

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Visit my website at: http://www.classytransportation.com/ I can answer most questions about autos built in the 60's 70's and 80's. Specifically, Lincolns, Rolls Royces and the Excaliburs. Mechanical issues and technical questions are my expertise. I also have a general knowledge of most older automobiles. Keep in mind, I can only provide answers if the questions are very specific and complete. Without details, I can only speculate and that's not good for solving your problem.

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I have owned and maintained Silver Shadows for over 10 years now. I find most mechanics and even Rolls Royce mechanics have very little knowledge about these automobiles. I have researched these cars in quite a bit of detail and can pretty much tell you what is wrong, if you can describe the behavior in detail. I have saved quite a few RR owners a lot of money and aggravation due to improper diagnosis. I am the owner of Classy Transportation, LLC a luxury limousine service specializing in antique cars, classic cars, vintage cars and exotic cars.

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