Latest developement.

I took it to a local shop that was willing to drop the pan and look at it for me. He said the pan was clean and so was the fluid. He said he actuated all the bands and clutches and they were in spec. He seemed to think there is a ball and race set up,towards the back that will wedge the balls when the input overspins the output and engages second gear but they are likely unable to lock. When I use the shifter it overrides this mechanism and works. He put it all back together and suggested I drive it as I can till I can't. He didn't charge me anything.

This is tough call for me. The car is worth 2K maybe, but it is a trusted friend and I really wanted to see it get to 300K+. I've been getting prices between 1.5K and 2.2K for a used or rebuilt tranny. I probably need to put another 1k in it to make it nice again ( A/C compressor, monovalve,circulation pump, fuel sender unit..)

What are your thoughts?

espin