So what does this thing do in the 200r4?

[oldmansmonte]

So I pulled my pan in my 200r4 so I could start fixing the problems noted here:

https://gbodyforum.com/threads/had-my-rear-end-rebuilt-now-its-exposed-transmission-problems.63268/


And when I pulled the pan I heard '" tink, tink". Never a good sign since I had all of the pan bolts accounted for. Turns out of was one of the 2 bolts for this device. It's towards the front of the transmission(front of the car) right were the pan comes off. Not sure if I knocked it off removing the pan since the pan was so tight to my crossmember. But again I dont see how I could pull a single bolt off that's in tight without a serious fight and damaging the threads. Anyhow wondering what this does and if it may have been affecting the transmission peformance if not installed properly.

 

[TURNA]

lock up solenoid

 

[79 USA 1]

TURNA hit on the money!
Lock up solenoid for the torque converter. I've replaced it in my 88 Super Sport. Torque converter would lock after 1-2 shift and usually stall the engine at a full stop due to the converter staying locked. Acted like a manual transmission stopping without pushing in the clutch and made a already anemic 305 seem like more of a dog.
This does control transmission fluid flow for the torque converter and would act like a huge leak if not installed.

 

[oldmansmonte]

Thanks guys!

 

[64nailhead]

Obviously you should fix the loose bolt/falling out bolts 1st. You should check the o-ring on the TCC lockup solenoid. If it's good, then it is not the cause of your issue. Here's a question though, has it always WOT up shifted where it does now, or is this a new development? I ask as this up shifts at WOT are a function of the governor. Non performance 200's up shifted below 4000. Also, a governor spring can become dislodged from the governor assembly that will cause premature shifts at all throttle positions. If you're going to check the governor, you might want to have a new governor housing gasket handy if the cover hasn't been removed for 20+ years. But if it's been apart recently, then gasket will almost undoubtedly be able to be reused.

I agree that you most likely need some type of throttle bracket to correct TV geometry, but you also need a line pressure gauge - it will stop all of the guessing about shifting issues. And it also gives peace of mind that your trans is in good condition - low line pressure will wreck a 200 in a HURRY.

Good luck - Jim.

 

[TURNA]

First thing you should do is find out why it came loose.

 

[oldmansmonte]

Obviously you should fix the loose bolt/falling out bolts 1st. You should check the o-ring on the TCC lockup solenoid. If it's good, then it is not the cause of your issue. Here's a question though, has it always WOT up shifted where it does now, or is this a new development? I ask as this up shifts at WOT are a function of the governor. Non performance 200's up shifted below 4000. Also, a governor spring can become dislodged from the governor assembly that will cause premature shifts at all throttle positions. If you're going to check the governor, you might want to have a new governor housing gasket handy if the cover hasn't been removed for 20+ years. But if it's been apart recently, then gasket will almost undoubtedly be able to be reused.

I agree that you most likely need some type of throttle bracket to correct TV geometry, but you also need a line pressure gauge - it will stop all of the guessing about shifting issues. And it also gives peace of mind that your trans is in good condition - low line pressure will wreck a 200 in a HURRY.

Good luck - Jim.

This transmission was rebuilt about 6 years/6000 miles ago. It's performance has always been inconsistent and the upshifts never worked as they were intended. But all shifting was always firm when the TV was setup right so I never felt the transmission was in jeopardy.

I visited the builder today and he sold me a geometry correction kit for the TBI for 10 bucks. He said the TBI geomatry's are never correct. I also talked to another guy from another local shop who happened to have the governor gasket I need to re-assemble this thing. He suggested as far as shift points, just take the soft spring out of the gov. Worst case scenario you just put it back as opposed to shaving weight which you can't get back. I also have backup pan and gov gaskets because I feel this won't be a one and done deal.

Question: As far as running a gauge, where do I run the line into the cab of the car to get to the gauge? The firewall? Thank again.

 

[TURNA]

Firewall through the speedo cable grommet

 

[oldmansmonte]

Firewall through the speedo cable grommet

That's what I suspected, thanks.

 

[64nailhead]

I run it through the window as I use the gauge temporarily when checking line pressures. I don't like running any gauge with that amount of pressure inside the cause due to the possibility of a leak and the ensuing mess.

Before governor springs and grinding on the governor you ought to confirm what yours is and that it's in tact. You mentioned the shifting has always seemed sporadic - that is most likely not caused by the governor because when the governor develops an issue it will not never improve until it is r repaired. And changing TV settings will not affect the governor.