GREAT engine now but, but now transmission.....aaarrrggghhh

Posted: 3/19/12 5:03am Message 1 of 10

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VikingVette

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Greer, SC - USA

Joined: 3/13/2012

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Vette(s): 1978 Black with Viking mural painted under hood AM/FM/CB radio, T-top and a 2013 Cyber Gray Grand Sport Coupe, 2LT for my daily driver

OK...I got my '78 back form the mechaninc last Friday and the engine is as strong as it was when I dropped that ZZ4 into it. Intake manifold was loose at right rear and sucked oil into right rear combustion chamber, therby fouling that plug I also found out the the ground wire for the wiper motor was missing AND that is the same grond for the interior fan...so neither worked. BUT....BUT...BUT...NOW it is the transmission.

I pulled away from the shop, with the car in drive (TH350) and it would NOT shift up. So I turned around and limped back to shop. Pulled in and he checked the transmission fluid. It did not even show up on the bottom of the stick. (I had noticed previously that when I was in drive and kicked it down to pass, the transmission would not down shift into 2nd, but I just thought that I had lost a vacuum line). The mechanic put a quart in (enough to get me home) and off I went again. It still would not shift if I left it in drive, but if I slipped it into first, then 2 and and then drive, I was OK. The shifts were hard and quick. I added more fluid when I got home until it read full (with the engine running), BUT it is still acting the same. If I leave it in drive, it will not shift, but if I shift in manually it works extremely well.....so what makes it shift when in drive? Is there any vacumm involved for the shifting process?

thanks for any input,

David

Warning: The surgeon general has declared that it is NOT unhealthy to smoke your competition AND I just discovered that my corvette is a hybred. It burns gas and rubber!

Re: GREAT engine now but, but now transmission.....aaarrrggghhh

Posted: 3/19/12 5:51am Message 2 of 10

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Jaws79

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Sykesville, MD - USA

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Vette(s): 1979 Corvette Coupe Corvette Light Blue Midnight Blue interior Mirrored Glass T-tops

I'll let Dr. Joel give the definitive answer on this, but it sounds like a rebuild is in order. I had mine rebuilt (TH350, 79) right after I got the car (no shifting problems, just leaking EVERYWHERE!) and it works fine. However, if I knew then what I know now, I would have converted to the OD trans as a bunch of the people on here have. I drive mine a lot and the OD would certainly help milage. But the TH350 is relatively inexpensive to rebuild, so if you don't drive it long distances that may be the best (and original). Others will chime in with what works for them. Good luck with your choices. I can't wait to see this Vette at Charleston!

Barry

|UPDATED|3/19/2012 5:51:26 AM (AZT)|/UPDATED|

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Re: GREAT engine now but, but now transmission.....aaarrrggghhh

Posted: 3/19/12 7:52am Message 3 of 10

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VikingVette

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Greer, SC - USA

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Vette(s): 1978 Black with Viking mural painted under hood AM/FM/CB radio, T-top and a 2013 Cyber Gray Grand Sport Coupe, 2LT for my daily driver

My mechanic does not get to "HIS" shop until around 10:00. I finally got in touch with him and this is his thoughts. It is either that stupid plastic governor wheel (again) or vacuum. Because when I shift in manually, it is hard and quick shifts.....almost like if I had a shift kit installed. Of course he is out of town this Saturday and the following Saturday, but if it what he thinks that it is, he can fix it whlie I wait. it a 30+ minute drive to get to him. I had to replace that governor wheel about 13 years ago.....stupid thing is made out of PLASTIC!!!!!

I do not drive it very far at one time, or I would serioulsy look into an OD, because with a 3.73 rear end, and only a 3 speed automatic, I am turning about 3300 RPM just to do 65....feels like I am riding a vibrator (which sometimes can be OK...but not with my car)

Who typed that? Dang evil twin again I suspect!

Warning: The surgeon general has declared that it is NOT unhealthy to smoke your competition AND I just discovered that my corvette is a hybred. It burns gas and rubber!

Re: GREAT engine now but, but now transmission.....aaarrrggghhh

Posted: 3/19/12 9:29am Message 4 of 10

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Adams' Apple

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Duncanville, TX - USA

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Vette(s): #1-1974 L-48 4spd Cp Med Red Metallic/Black deluxe int w/AC/tilt/tele./p/w-p/b/ Am-Fm/map light National/Regional/Chapter NCRS "Top Flight" #2-1985 Bright Red/Carmine Cp.L-98/auto Member: NCRS, NCRS Texas, Corvette Legends of Texas

Most likely, since you had some engine werk done, the vacuum line to the trans modulator is off, or somehow damaged/kinked. It's possible the governor gear stripped, but, if it wuz shifting before he werked on it, there's no reason for the gov gear to just strip while sitting. I'd check for vacuum AT the modulator first. If there is no vacuum there, then find where it is loose/damaged. I'd almost bet Bluebarry's blue hat that's what the problem is. Wink

Joel Adams
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Re: GREAT engine now but, but now transmission.....aaarrrggghhh

Posted: 3/19/12 9:43am Message 5 of 10

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Jaws79

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Sykesville, MD - USA

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Vette(s): 1979 Corvette Coupe Corvette Light Blue Midnight Blue interior Mirrored Glass T-tops

Hey,Joel! Leave my hat alone!

Barry

"Down on the Boardwalk...

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Re: GREAT engine now but, but now transmission.....aaarrrggghhh

Posted: 3/19/12 9:45am Message 6 of 10

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Jaws79

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VikingVette said:

My mechanic does not get to "HIS" shop until around 10:00. I finally got in touch with him and this is his thoughts. It is either that stupid plastic governor wheel (again) or vacuum. Because when I shift in manually, it is hard and quick shifts.....almost like if I had a shift kit installed. Of course he is out of town this Saturday and the following Saturday, but if it what he thinks that it is, he can fix it whlie I wait. it a 30+ minute drive to get to him. I had to replace that governor wheel about 13 years ago.....stupid thing is made out of PLASTIC!!!!!

I do not drive it very far at one time, or I would serioulsy look into an OD, because with a 3.73 rear end, and only a 3 speed automatic, I am turning about 3300 RPM just to do 65....feels like I am riding a vibrator (which sometimes can be OK...but not with my car)

Who typed that? Dang evil twin again I suspect!

You're complaining about something you replaced 13 years ago????? If only I were that lucky!

Barry

"Down on the Boardwalk...

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Re: GREAT engine now but, but now transmission.....aaarrrggghhh

Posted: 3/19/12 9:48am Message 7 of 10

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Adams' Apple

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Duncanville, TX - USA

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Vette(s): #1-1974 L-48 4spd Cp Med Red Metallic/Black deluxe int w/AC/tilt/tele./p/w-p/b/ Am-Fm/map light National/Regional/Chapter NCRS "Top Flight" #2-1985 Bright Red/Carmine Cp.L-98/auto Member: NCRS, NCRS Texas, Corvette Legends of Texas

I sed ALMOST....

Don't werry....I'll git ya a nice pudy RED one to replace it...

Joel Adams
C3VR Lifetime Member #56
My Link

(click for Texas-sized view!) NCRS

"Money can't buy happiness -- but somehow it's more comforting to cry in a CORVETTE than in a Kia"

Re: GREAT engine now but, but now transmission.....aaarrrggghhh

Posted: 3/20/12 9:16am Message 8 of 10

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aceinthehole

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Manteca, CA - USA

Joined: 11/20/2005

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Vette(s): 1978,two tone,Metalic Rootbeer & gold 1975 L48 4 speed

I know it's no consolation, but a lot of us go through this with these old cars and it has always seemed worth it. I for one have never bought one that was already restored, they cost a lot more then. Keep us posted Dave.

Jimmy B.
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Re: GREAT engine now but, but now transmission.....aaarrrggghhh

Posted: 3/20/12 11:28am Message 9 of 10

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VikingVette

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Greer, SC - USA

Joined: 3/13/2012

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Vette(s): 1978 Black with Viking mural painted under hood AM/FM/CB radio, T-top and a 2013 Cyber Gray Grand Sport Coupe, 2LT for my daily driver

DR. Joel chimed in and the first thing that I will check it the vacuum modulator on the transmission. I do not have a lift, so while it was at the mechanics, I had him install a nice, shiny, chrome transmission tail shaft dust cover. He could have easily knocked off that vacuum hose and never say it. Even I can look for that.

Disclaimer: The opinons expressed by this member are notthose of a knowledgable person

Warning: The surgeon general has declared that it is NOT unhealthy to smoke your competition AND I just discovered that my corvette is a hybred. It burns gas and rubber!

Re: GREAT engine now but, but now transmission.....aaarrrggghhh

Posted: 6/12/12 4:15pm Message 10 of 10

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tonytheroofer

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Rochester, NY - USA

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Vette(s): 1980 L- 82 fully restored and upgraded.

if it is hooked up get under car and pull the vac line off modulator and put finger over nipple to see if tranny fluid is there , if it is replace modulator valve.

1980 , ZZ430 , 3.92 rear , 700R4 2400 stall NEW EZ EFI

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