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Classic/Antique Car Repair/49 Cadillac Hydramatic gearbox

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Expert: - 11/7/2007


Question
Gearbox has a problem/1st to 2nd gear shift is fine' 3rd to 4th is also fine' the 2nd to 3rd gear change bangs into gear and is harsh.
The gearbox was Overhauled in 2006 and to my knowledge the seals, bands,ect were replaced.
could you please help with this problem
Many thanks

Answer
This transmission was never known for it's smoothness in fact when it first was let loose on the motoring public with the big V-8 it was known as "4 jerks and you are away". However at this point I would suggest a fluid change and a band and linkage adjustment. In the early transmissions shifts were synchronized by band adjustments. By the late 50's and early 60's the technology of the hydraulic controlled automatic transmission had progressed enough so that band adjustments were no longer needed. The linkage adjustment is to make sure that the transmission control valve pressure is matched to the throttle position. If this does not help then it is time for a pressure test on the transmission and internal repairs.
Good Luck. Brad

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Brad Sears

Expertise

All automotive including antique and collectible. However if the car has been modified I can only answer in general terms and maybe get you pointed in the right direction.

Experience

Automotive tech instructor. Syndicated auto columnist 1970's though the early 1990's. Syndicated auto radio talk show, Ask Brad About cars, CBS Radio 70's through 90's TV Show "Last Chance Garage" 1980's PBS-TV syndicated. Auto instructor for the following companies: Fram Autolyte Holly Carter AMF Ford Motor University Of Conn Blue Hills Technical School Sugar River Technical Center Grew up in a family garage in Needham Mass and turned wrenches from the age of 14.

Publications
Manchester Union Leader, Nashua Telegraph, Motor Service Magazine, Yankee Magazine, Popular Mechanics (Saturday Mechanic early 80's), Los Angeles Times, New York Times, and lots more.

Education/Credentials
More than I care to remember. Basically Franklin Technical Institute in Boston, Northeastern University, Fitchburg State Teachers College, Tufts University, and a lot of factory schools along the way.

Awards and Honors
Moto Award winner. And much more.

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