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Old Jul 7, 2006 | 10:18 AM
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Default lock-up torque converter

what are the characteristics of a 1980 lock-up converter,or is it possible to tell if it's working? I understand it all happens at about 30mph,I've identified (with your help )the vacuum switch on the bulkhead,can this be tested?

thanks as always
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Old Jul 7, 2006 | 10:36 AM
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First off nice looking Vette!

When i would drive my 700R4 the difference between lockup and non-lockup was: In non I could blip the throttle going down the road and the tack would jump a few 100 rpm. Lockup is solid just like a real 4 speed manual. No rpm change.
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Old Jul 7, 2006 | 11:16 AM
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Originally Posted by gkull
First off nice looking Vette!

When i would drive my 700R4 the difference between lockup and non-lockup was: In non I could blip the throttle going down the road and the tack would jump a few 100 rpm. Lockup is solid just like a real 4 speed manual. No rpm change.


If your engine is a lower HPP version, you might also notice some bogg down on top gear acceleration. I certainly notice it on my DD.
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Old Jul 7, 2006 | 11:54 AM
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like the guys said at some point when you have lock up the RPMs will be much more steady and any throttle increase will be seen by a slow rising tcch as opposed to a quick surge in the tach
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Old Jul 7, 2006 | 12:10 PM
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One way to check is to slightly depress the break petal while driving at 55-60 mph and hold constant pressure on the accellerator pedal. You should notice the RPM's increase while the break circuit is activated and then see a decrease in RPM's after your deactivate the break circuit.
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Old Jul 7, 2006 | 12:33 PM
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Originally Posted by marshrat99
One way to check is to slightly depress the break petal while driving at 55-60 mph and hold constant pressure on the accellerator pedal. You should notice the RPM's increase while the break circuit is activated and then see a decrease in RPM's after your deactivate the break circuit.
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Old Jul 7, 2006 | 05:22 PM
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Originally Posted by bobs77vet
like the guys said at some point when you have lock up the RPMs will be much more steady and any throttle increase will be seen by a slow rising tcch as opposed to a quick surge in the tach
My tach surges between acceleration and overrun about 200 to 300 rpm ,so that means it's not working,is there anything I can do to repair it?
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Old Jul 7, 2006 | 06:05 PM
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Originally Posted by turbovette80
My tach surges between acceleration and overrun about 200 to 300 rpm ,so that means it's not working,is there anything I can do to repair it?
Probably an electrical issue. Check fuses and connections. Buy a service manual for your ride to help pinpoint the problem. This is a much better way (aka cheaper) to go than taking to a tranny place (worst case scenerio). Maybe someone here on the Forum can reply with the pin-outs of the leads going into the tranny such that you can jumper one of the wires to check the torque converter lockup.
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Old Jul 7, 2006 | 06:15 PM
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You can apply 12 volts to the lockup selinoid and you can hear it pic and un pick from under the car. Usually it the clutch it's self that gets burnt out and then it's replacement torq converter time.
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Old Jul 7, 2006 | 08:08 PM
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From: Tolar Texas
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Maybe this diagram will help you with troubleshooting.


I wouldn't sweat it too much if you can't get it to work. I ran my TH350C for years without lockup. I doubt that it would significantly improve your fuel economy.
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Old Jul 7, 2006 | 08:09 PM
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From: wakefield uk
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thanks for the help sofar,just one thing the TCC vacuum switch on the bulkhead has a one way valve inline which only allows air to flow towards the switch, can this be right?
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Old Jul 7, 2006 | 08:23 PM
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Doesn't sound right.
I believe that vacuum check valve belongs to the vacuum supply for the head lights. It is located near the TCC vacuum switch. Perhaps someone got mixed up once upon a time and stuck the wrong hose to the wrong component.
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Old Jul 8, 2006 | 09:29 AM
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can anyone explain why the vacuum hose to the TCC switch was deliberately blocked with a stud half way from the carb?
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Old Jul 8, 2006 | 11:18 AM
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That vacuum switch can be fickle. I installed one with my 700r4. When you say the tach surges do you mean the tach is malfunctioning or is the engine surging? I ask this because my engine would surge from the lockup going in and out under any kind of load. The solution was to install one of those black and white inline check valves on the hose going to the switch. Any junkyard should have these. Now the lockup works as it should. It's like having an intermediate gear between 3rd and OD. I would recommend using the lockup since your gas mileage will be a little better and your tranny will run around 30 degrees cooler.
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Old Jul 8, 2006 | 12:42 PM
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From: wakefield uk
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Well I took the stud blocking the vacuum pipe out,reversed the valve and now everything works purrrrrrfect! locks up at about 30mph disengages with brakes ,45mph comes up at 1500rpm and it pulls like a train! thanks for the help everyone
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