Tracker doesn't like mornings

[komobu]

Hi;

I have a 90 tracker with an automatic trans. In the morning when I first start it, the power brakes don't work to good for about five minutes. It is like the vacuum booster is disconnected. Also it wont shift out of first and if I give it too much gas, it will go into neutral. If I let it warm up for ten minutes before driving, it will shift fine and the brakes work as expected.

After that warm up issue it is great for the rest of the day! No more brake or shifting issues!

The last owner said he lived with the problem for about 4 years!

I checked my vacuum tube going to the modulator and found trans fluid at the hose on the manifold end. I figured the diaphragm ruptured and I replaced the modulator yesterday. I still have the same issue this morning as far as shifting and brakes.

Any idea what is causing this vacuum loss? Is there any type of work around?

Thanks for any ideas.

[ranger88den]

Have you done a compression test? Put a vacuum gauge on the engine? Drained, flushed, changed filter on transmission? Maybe adding a reservoir would be a temporary fix.

[jtgh]

ditto above.
i think you only found the tip of the ice berg

full power drain and flush on tranny with new tranny filter.
look for antifeeze in the tranny oil. (look, do no trust others to look for you)

lower radiator tranny cooler may be breached.
and the brake booster is full of tranny oil now.

remove booster and flush it with Kerosene or some light Paint thinner (oil base paint)
anything safe for plastic or rubber but will cut oil.
then pray it comes back.