Just got my truck back out on the road and have discovered an odd problem. From time to time, I can't seem to shift from first to second. It sticks solid in first and can't be moved up to second without playing with it. On occasion, it sticks solid. When I pull over to the side of the road and stop...then I can shift freely to rev 1-2 & 3 of coarse with the clutch down. The linkage seems to be clear of any obstructions (We checked all the gears). I am a real amature when it comes to transmitions but I really don't think that's where the problem is located. Any detailed help would be appreciated in diagnosing this problem. The engine is the original 230 and I am sure the transmission is the original powerglide transmission. If anyone has any advise on diagnosing the problem or adjusting the linkage or any part on the column (which is where I suspect is the problem is located) I would be grateful. Thanks, General Thanks!
If you have a clutch and are shifting gears, you don't have a power- glide. If you don't know, a powerglide is an two-speed auto. I have had the same problem with a vehicle I had. My problem was that the linkage was worn/loose enough that the arms locked up when I would shift. I actually had to pop the hood and physically push/pull the arms apart. If it shifts and runs okay the rest of the time, it is almost positive that it is not the trans. I would go with the linkage. What's the fix? Ya got me. New linkage? Bushings to tighten things up? Lube everything? If no one here comes up with anything useful, you may want to purchase a book on column shift transmissions and see what they have to say. Good luck.
Thanks! Now that I know what 'powerglide' means... I wonder why my VIN number decoded says it has a powerglide transmission??? Guess I read something wrong somewhere in the owners manual. I looked at the linkage tonight and you were right... they are both a little loose. I can see how they would get jamed up from time to time. I'm going to try and find new grommets, tighten everything up, replace the cotter pins etc., and then go from there. I'll let you know how things go. Thanks again, General Thanks!
RE: 3 speed sticks You need some shift lever bushings for your 3 speed. Powerglides are 2 speed automatic tranmissions. the bushings 91-061 are $2.99 pr Give us a call and we will fix you up 1-800-741-1678
If your VIN says Powerglide, that probably was original equipment and over the years someone changed it to a standard. The VIN is useful if you are interested in restoring the vehicle. Other than that, it will only tell you the original setup of the truck. My '64 VIN shows the truck as a longbed stepside but when I bought it someone had replaced the bed with a fleetside so they could mount a camper on it. Also, someone may have taken a good VIN off a basket case and attached it to your truck so they could get it licensed. Good luck on your repairs.
Replaced bushings...Upper and lower now... I still get stuck from time to time in first. If I play with it and manage to hit neutral... I can get to second but this is really a pain in the ... Any more suggestions would be appreciated. By the way, the new bushings did make shifting smoother.
Because the bushings were shot for a while, the linkage itself may need a readjustment now. The Factory Service Manual tells all, including the fine points of linkage adjustment. Dennis
Okay, time for this morning's WILD guess. If you adjust the linkage and still have concerns, try double-clutching when you shift. If I remember right, if it shifts okay when you double-clutch, you have a throw-out bearing problem? Like I said, this is a WILD guess. Maybe someone around here can confirm if I am right or wrong? Good luck.
I've ordered the service manual and will try adjusting the linkage according to factory specifications. I'll give the double clutch idea a try today. Thanks for all your suggestions. I'll let you know how it goes.
" ...okay when you double-clutch, you have a throw-out bearing problem? " Actually? No. You would have a syncronizer problem. The throw out bearing will let you know when it's bad. Noise, followed by clutch failure. If the linkage adjustment dosn't cure the problem, it could be a syncronizer in the trans. But, not likely. Most times a bad syncronizer will let you take it out of gear, but not let you go smoothly into the next gear. If I read the problem correctly here, it sounds like it gets stuck in 1st gear. Right? Dennis
Just to make sure we're on the same page here is all the info... Occationally I can't get from 1st to second... it locks and won't move up. Getting into first and driving in first is no problem. I have noticed that on deceleration occasionally I can't move back into first without slowing the truck way down... under 10 mph... If I double clutch, I can work it free by 'wiggling' the shift handle back and forth. I can change from 2nd to 3rd with no problem... and back again... (Don't forget it's a 3 speed on the column. Original transmission and 230 engine.) The only other thing that I noticed today was that when I came off of a steep hill near our house, it roared some when I let off the gas otherwise, I didn't hear much from the transmission. One other thing comes to mind, I had a new clutch installed just before the restoration, about a year ago. I really didn't drive it much after that due to the restoration. Hope this additional information helps out. I guess I'm going to have to face the situation and take it to a transmission specialist. I do well working on engines but, am dangerous around transmissions. I am still open to any suggestions anyone has. Thanks again, General
You have an excellent source in dvalentine. The only other things I can think of is to check the linkage at the transmission. You say you replaced the bushings at the shifter arms but what about at the trans? Also, if you had a new clutch installed, do you know if it is properly adjusted? Whatever you find, post so the next guy that has this same problem can use all of this info. Good luck.
