'85 5kcst automatic tranny shifting problems uh..oh...

[Ivan Tuma]

first, thanks to everyone for responding to my past questions ... I 
would like to put in more of my own
two cents worth but I'm having a hard time figuring out this mailman 
system (dont know how to respond properly
in order to get nested responses in the thread list)

ok, does anyone know what causes the '85 automatic to occasionally STICK 
in first gear when they are cold...
usually when this happens on mine, it is the first shift of the day and 
usually doesn't "let go" until about 4000rpm...
after that, it seem to shift perfect other than 1st to 2nd shifts have 
always been a little "firm" when and only when it's cold.

it is an '85 5kcst with 128k miles .... the tranny has fluid about 5000 
miles old and I topped off the differential at
about the same time with synthetic gear-lube from the dealer (it was 
down less than a pint when I bought it)

it doesn't stick all the time ... just randomly decides to do this in 
the mornings.

I know it's probably on it's way out but what can I do to extend it's 
life? any "magic" fluids anyone can recommed...
I know transmedic has worked for this before .... I think it's varnish 
inside the tranny getting stuck in the valving...
that's why this is random.

would cleaning the AT filter possibly help?

Ivan

concourse du elegance:
'90 200tq avant (that's what they alway called the station wagon in europe)
'87 vw fox (out of 41 cars, best $400 car I've ever owned for six year)
'85 5kcst (it's kind of like owning a vintage jet-fighter ... most of 
the time it's grounded but it's fun when it's flying)
'84 5ks (wife's) (out of 41 cars, best $1100 car ever owned for five 
years but the party's over, wifey wants a celica convertible...eh)
'73 fiat 850 sport spider (903cc of pure power)