transmission issues

[83OldsCutlass]

Alright, obviously this is a tough subject to diagnose over a forum so I'm gonna do my best to explain what is going on and I just want some feedback and ideas of what it could be.

Alright first off its a turbo 350, and here is my issue, I get in my car and put it in drive, start going down the road and about 1600 it will shift like normal. But after that it won't shift again, but the rpms aren't wrapping out like it's stuck. It's like its in its final gear (I'm positive it's not a powerglide). It also won't drop into passing gear. Any ideas?

 

[lilbowtie]

I would first check your downshift cable and see if it's stuck.

 

[timo22]

LIke the above poster stated, make sure your détente cable is free. I happen to think that you either have a vacuum leak or a blown modulator. Make sure the vacuum line at the engine is good. On the rear of the transmission (passenger side) is the modulator. Slip the vacuum line off, if you see any sign of trans. fluid, it is the culprit. Hope this helps...timo

 

[83OldsCutlass]

I've replaced the vacuum line already, no change

 

[timo22]

Ok so your getting vacuum to the modulator...you know the modulator is good...your kickdown cable moves smoothly. If these all check out, pull the governor. It's under the round cap on the drivers side. Pop the clip off and use a screwdriver and hammer to remove the cover. If you jack up your car from the rear you won't lose much fluid. The governor has a plastic gear on it that can get chewed up. You can also hold the governor by the gear and move the wings and make sure the valve is not stuck. If the gear is chewed up , you can go to a trans shop and they can install a new gear or a new one.also if the gear got chewed up, inspect the driveshaft yoke and trans. Rear bushing. Installing a rear bushing and seal is pretty easy on a 350. 4 bolts and the extension housing is off. Hope this helps..timo

 

[83OldsCutlass]

Where is the kick down cable located? And if my modulator was bad it wouldn't shift at all correct?

 

[timo22]

Typically, a bad modulator will late shift into 2nd and not into 3rd. Sometimes you can get into the accelerator and once its in 2nd, keep on the accelerator and let off quickly. If it goes into high ..your modulator is bad. The kickdown cable is right next to the filler tube on the trans. The other end is attached to the carb. Make sure it moves freely...Timo