We are thinking about buying a 1982 Econoline Van and took it for a test drive today. We really like everything about it, except when we test drove it, it would take a second to start going from a stop after pushing on the gas. Like, it reved, but took a second or two for it to start moving. It didn't lurch when it started moving. It was smooth. Other than that it ran fine and sounded fine. The guy says it's been sitting for 6 months. He Aquired it when a friend of his passed away. He drove it once, across state and said it ran fine.

So we are wondering if this is a transmission problem or something more simple, like fuel pump. We don't want to have to deal with the transmission.
Thanks.

 

It might be a good idea to change the trans fluid and filter and see it that solves the problem.

 

How many miles on the van?

Without any test drive to feel what your experiencing,, a good bet prior to a purchase if your concerned would be to run it by a trans shop and have then do a quick diagnostic test drive. No cost.

Sitting 6 months shouldn't be an issue, and could be that he bought it from the friends estate, and now realizes there's a problem with it and wants to unload it..

Doubt there's any trans or service docs with it?

If it has a problem slipping then I'd have it checked.. If its just a stumble or hesitation on the throttle coming out of the hole, different all together..

As a first step, you might pull the trans dipstick and look close at the fluid,, if it looks brown and/or smells burnt, then you may have issues.. Given its vintage, having someone look it over end to end is good insurance to help eliminate 'surprises'.

 

I doesn't sound like a fuel pump issue...i'm for the trans. My 88 crown vic with AOD trans did the same thing and it was the trans. don't go near this thing or you will be rebuilding the trans.