Transmission Problem

[spboy]

Hello, I have just rebuilted the engine, took the torque converter out to replace oil seal, reinstalled the torque converter and newly rebuilt engine. Now when i shift into gear i dont get the shift shock. Try to shift into drive and it doesn't go until you give it more than 2,000 rpm of gas. When parked on a hill and put it in drive, the car drifts back. The transmission was running fine before i took the engine and the torque converter out. Please Help! This is a 1994 Camry 2.2L I-4 Cyl. Appreciate any help.

[new echo owner]

Did you have difficulty in bolting the engine and transmission together? Did you put the torque converter bolts back in?

N.E.O.

[spboy]

no, bolted the engine to the transmission fine and of course I bolted back the flywheel to the torque converter of course.

[new echo owner]

Did you check the transmission fluid level then? Any problem putting the torque converter back on?

N.E.O.

[spboy]

yes i have checked fluid it is fine, and i had no problem putting the torque converter back in.

[new echo owner]

Check the fluid level with the engine off and then check it again when the engine is running. The fluid level should drop, if it doesn't the transmission pump might not be working. Check the transmission pressure.

The torque converter drives the transmission pump, if you had any problem putting the torque converter in or if the converter wasn't fully installed and you bolt the engine and transmission together,it may have damage the pump gear. A transmission pressure test would be able to tell you that.

N.E.O.

[spboy]

When i installed the torque converter it drops in 3 times. Is there a way to incorrectly install the torque converter? I have checked the fluids they seemed to be good. Also, Is there a way to install the torque converter? Is their a procedure for installing it?

[new echo owner]

If it drop in 3 times, it does sound like you had it in all the way; the stator shaft, the input shaft and the transmission pump gear. Just want to double check that, since that is the only thing that comes to mind that would affect the transmission operation right after you had put in an engine. Usually, if you can rotate the torque converter after you bolt the engine together and before you bolt it to the flex plate, you are alright.

The symptoms you described seem to indicate that the transmission had lost pressure, and the only way to verify that is to connect a pressure gauge, so that may be the next thing you should do.

BTW, how long did you have the engine out? Was the car parked outside, exposed to the elements?

N.E.O.

[spboy]

It was parked outside. The battery was disconnected for a few months. Would it loose anykind of memory? The engine was out for about 3 months. The hood was put can onto the car so it wasn't exposed to any kind of weather.

[new echo owner]

I was think more in terms of moisture causing the valves to stick and rust if the transmission isn't properly covered. Was the converter out of it all that time too?

There is no memory to reset for 94s.

N.E.O.

[spboy]

yes the torque converter was out for the same amount of time. The transmission was underthe hood for the whole time. I dont think that would have anything to do with it would it?

[new echo owner]

Under normal circumstances, I would say no, but anything can happen. I would suggest the oil pressure test first, which would take away the guess work as to whether the pump is working or not. Have you check the trans pan to see if it has been damaged, blocking off the pickup screen?

N.E.O.

[spboy]

Well i'm going to have to wait for the correct tools to check the pressue. Meanwhile i did check the pan, i even drained & refill and also replace A/T Filter so no problem there.

[new echo owner]

You do have a pretty strange problem on your hand, seems like you had done everything properly.

Keep us posted on what you find.

N.E.O.

[spboy]

Thanks for your suggestions NEO, well i'm out of luck.I can't get the adapter to connect my pressure guage from Toyota. I'm wondering do you know where I can find an adapter or kit to check the transmission pressure?