Transmission Issues

[buddydawg]

When I bought the bus the shifter cable was frozen.  In order to drive the bus I disconnected the cable at the transmission, put in in forward, cranked it and drove it home.  Today a buddy and I got the linkage back up and running and connected it back to the transmission.  Here is where the problem begins.  I put the shifter in Neutral and cranked the bus then after it aired up I went to put it in Forward and it made a grinding noise.  I then tried reverse with the same results.  I tried to crank it while in gear but it wont because it will only crank with the shifter in Neutral.  So I am back to where I started.  Any ideas?

[Sammy]

Check the micro switches in the shift tower, as you push the shift lever out from the neutral detent it activates a micro switch which energizes a solenoid on top of the valve body. It's been a while since I wrenched on a Fishbowl (1985) but it's a common problem. I used to jump power to the solenoid with a jumper wire, from an insulated stud on the bottom of the rear apparatus box and have another mechanic put it into gear. Check circuit breakers and relays too. I still have a few maint manuals if you need some info.
Good luck with your repair.
Sammy

[Busted Knuckle]

Buddydawg,
Now ya got the MAN with the PLAN helping ya! Sammy's probably forgotten more than most of us will ever know!

Thanks for jumping in where I had no clue Sammy!
  BK 

[buddydawg]

Thanks for the help.  I will look into it.  I need to go ahead and buy the service manuals I just haven't gotten around to dropping the cash yet.