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Howdy.
I'm seeking some sage insight for the first time on the 1986 240 Wagon that I bought back in February. For the last 8 months, everything has worked fine. I recently failed the state inspection (smog test --- waaaay too much nitrous oxide) in Texas, so I pulled it into the garage for the last month or so to fix it up. Here's what I did.
1) new brake pads
2) oil change
3) coolant change
4) new fuel filter
5) new fuel and fuel vent lines, as needed
6) new thermostat
7) timing adjustment
8) new rear turn signal cover
9) new license plate light bulbs
10) new flame trap
11) new exhaust gaskets
12) cleaned o2 sensor
13) cleaned spark plug tips
14) taped up air intake duct
15) cleaned a bunch of gravel out of the front part of the catalytic converter
That pretty much covers it. But now I seem to have a much bigger problem: The engine starts up just fine, but the transmission won't engage in any gears. If I put it in gear and then start to accelerate, I can notice a VERY SLIGHT rocking that seems to pass diagonally across the vehicle, but that's it. I know it's not related to the brake pads, because in neutral I can push the vehicle manually.
Could these be something simply and stupid on my part? Does anyone know of anything that I could have hit, accidentally disconnected, etc that would cause this? Please Please help, if you can. :-)
The only thing I can think of that would've caused this would be that I spun the discs on the back wheels after I replaced the brake pads to check the clearance. I had momentarily forgotten about the rear wheel drive and the car was up on bricks, engaged in park at the time. I noticed a little roughness, but didn't apply TOO much pressure or "force" them. They just kinda went on their own after a mild "rough stumbling" ... My mechanical skills are still at an intermediate amateur level, so I don't really know how this could relate to the transmission problem.
Also... one other thing. I do know that the transmission is low on fluid, but I don't think this is the issue since, even though it's been low, everything was shifting pretty much fine before I started neanderthaling around on it.
So... any ideas?
Please save me from having to make any more motorcycle rides in the torrential rain!
With Brick Love,
Eli D.
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