Powerglide lost reverse?
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 264
Likes: 15
From: San Jose CA
Powerglide lost reverse?
So, I've a cast-iron Powerglide in my '58. Rebuilt it this winter alongside the engine rebuild. We've now got about 500 miles on the rebuilds, and it's been running great. I've still got some issues with the brakes (rebuilt a month ago because of leaking wheel cylinders), but engine and tranny have been quite solid.
Until today. Now I seem to have lost Reverse. I get a very small amount of backward motion, not even enough to deal with slant of a driveway. Reving the engine does nothing. The two forward gears seem to work quite nicely, and accelerate the car to 80 and higher with no problems.
Any guesses what could be causing the problem? The '58 Passenger Car Shop Manual isn't too helpful with this kind of diagnosis, and I lack the hydrualic pressure guages necessary to pursue the manual's technique.
Many thanks,
-Brian
Until today. Now I seem to have lost Reverse. I get a very small amount of backward motion, not even enough to deal with slant of a driveway. Reving the engine does nothing. The two forward gears seem to work quite nicely, and accelerate the car to 80 and higher with no problems.
Any guesses what could be causing the problem? The '58 Passenger Car Shop Manual isn't too helpful with this kind of diagnosis, and I lack the hydrualic pressure guages necessary to pursue the manual's technique.
Many thanks,
-Brian
Safety Car
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 4,068
Likes: 27
From: St. Joseph Mo
If it's anything like a Corvair powerglide it has to be the band adjustment. Requires an adaptor and an inch-pound torque wrench. Band is actually self energizing driving forward (wraps itself onto the drum).
