Transmission Woes

[Winston]

This is on a 78 or 79 El Camino that I'll hopefully be picking up soon for a steal of a price. The owner bought it for his daughter who doesn't want it and he isn't really a fan of ElC's. Lucky me.

The transmission won't shift into a higher gear than first when driving. I didn't notice any noises putting it from park to drive. I know that isn't much information but I ran the situation by my mechanic friend and he said if it's slipping, the whole transmission would probably need to be rebuilt or replaced. If it's not slipping then it might be something as small as the valve body being cleaned/rebuilt/replaced. I'll be driving it again Sunday and I'll try to listen or feel for anything that doesn't feel right on the P to D shift. ANY input on this would be appreciated. (i.e. what to listen/feel for, other causes of this scenario, etc etc)

TYIA

 

[jimmyp618]

First check for vacum at modulator , then pull the cap off the back left side of transmission and see if plastic gear is busted on the governor . Mine had same problems and the gear was broke. I pulled it out spent 2.50 on new gear and reinstalled.

 

[Winston]

Thanks, I'll definitely check it out. If that is the fix, where did you get the gear from? Dealership or Autozone/similar?

edit: Can you post a picture showing the location of the "cap" you're talking about. Also, when I pull this cap off, fluid isn't going to come spraying all over me is it? I honestly don't know much about transmissions.

 

[jimmyp618]

What transmission do you have? And na youll only loose maybe a teaspoon of fluid if that. I got mine from a local transmission shop. for like 2.50cents.

 

[Chillin014]

Thanks, I'll definitely check it out. If that is the fix, where did you get the gear from? Dealership or Autozone/similar?

edit: Can you post a picture showing the location of the "cap" you're talking about. Also, when I pull this cap off, fluid isn't going to come spraying all over me is it? I honestly don't know much about transmissions.

he's talking about the gear on the governor. It sits under a circular cap on the driver side of the transmission which comes off pretty easily, no mess. (remove the retaining "bracket-bar" and pry the cap out) You simply pull the governor out once you have the cap removed and there is a plastic gear at the end which you want to check for any flat spots or other damage. Ebay has the gears too for real cheap.

I had a stripped gear once as well and I lost 3rd gear and I think 2nd too intermittently.

 

[Winston]

Sweet, we just got it to my friends house and we'll deal with it tomorrow. Putting Hooker headers and a dual exhaust on his 87 Monte right now. 😀

edit: Driving it here, it would shift past first but only whenever it wanted to.