C3 Tech/Performance V8 Technical Info, Internal Engine, External Engine, Basic Tech and Maintenance for the C3 Corvette
Sponsored by:
Sponsored by:

Auto Transmission problem

Old Jan 25, 2003 | 10:30 PM
  #1  
GaryS's Avatar
GaryS
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
15 Year Member
 
Joined: May 1999
Posts: 2,897
Likes: 0
From: Moon Township PA
Default Auto Transmission problem

The auto trans is a Turbo 400 with almost 60000 miles on it. Based on advice from this forum a couple of months ago, I solved a HUGE problem, with it eating all of the transmission fluid, by changing the vacuum modulator valve. Now I have another question. If I am cruising along at anything under 40-45 mph, the car won't shift into third gear unless I let off of the gas completely. As soon as I add some throttle, the car is no longer in third. Now, I know nothing about auto transmissions and don't know where to start on this one. Advance Auto couldn't find the Turbo 400 in their computer but said the vacuum modulator was the same for the 350 and 400. Any ideas guys?
Gary
Reply
Old Jan 25, 2003 | 10:35 PM
  #2  
SanDiegoPaul's Avatar
SanDiegoPaul
Race Director
Supporting Lifetime
 
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 10,362
Likes: 5
From: San Diego - Deep Within The State of CONFUSION!
Default Re: Auto Transmission problem (GaryS)

See if it was assembled with an adjustable mod valve. If it was, then you can adjust the speed with a small pocket screwdriver.

Pull the vac hose off the valve and stick the screwdriver in it. Clockwise brings the upshift speed HIGHer and obviously, counter-clockwise brings it lower.

If it was not assemebled with an adjustable valve, have one put in.
Reply
Old Jan 25, 2003 | 10:44 PM
  #3  
GaryS's Avatar
GaryS
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
15 Year Member
 
Joined: May 1999
Posts: 2,897
Likes: 0
From: Moon Township PA
Default Re: Auto Transmission problem (GaryS)

Paul,
the vacuum mod valve had only the nipple for the vacuum hose. No evidence of an adjustable valve.
Gary
Reply
Old Jan 25, 2003 | 11:59 PM
  #4  
jimtreber's Avatar
jimtreber
Racer
20 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 275
Likes: 13
From: South Bend, Indiana
Default Re: Auto Transmission problem (GaryS)

First, make sure you don't have a vacuum leak at the modulator or at the other end.
Reply
Old Jan 26, 2003 | 03:35 AM
  #5  
mapman's Avatar
mapman
Melting Slicks
20 Year Member
Active Streak: 30 Days
All Eyes On Me
 
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 3,050
Likes: 124
From: Wichita KS
Default Re: Auto Transmission problem (GaryS)

GaryS,

Were any changes made to the modulator pipe? i.e. where the pipe plugs into the intake manifold?
Reply
Old Jan 26, 2003 | 08:25 AM
  #6  
Larry B.'s Avatar
Larry B.
Le Mans Master
 
Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 5,635
Likes: 4
From: Orlando Floriduh
Default Re: Auto Transmission problem (mapman)

Gary. Look inside the modulator nipple. That would be where the adjusting screw is, it there is one. Also make sure that the pin that the modulator moves is in place and in good condition. When you take the modulator off you should see it sticking out of the trans. I have seen these fall out un-noticed and the new modulator put in without the pin.. TH400 modulators ARE available. Try a GM dealer. I went to auto trans school a number of years back and hev rebuilt a few TH400's. So.... if I can be of any help.....Please ask. :thumbs:
Reply
Old Jan 26, 2003 | 10:02 AM
  #7  
GaryS's Avatar
GaryS
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
15 Year Member
 
Joined: May 1999
Posts: 2,897
Likes: 0
From: Moon Township PA
Default Re: Auto Transmission problem (silvervetteman)

Well, I will take a look at the nipple to see if it is possible that there is an adjustment in there. This nipple can't have an ID of more than 1/4" but I will check it out tomorrow. Can't look at it today - too much Super Bowl prep.

I will also put my vacuum gauge on the intake manifold to see if there is a vacuum leak.

Can anyone confirm that the Turbo 350 and 400 take the same vacuum modulator?


Gary
Reply
Old Jan 26, 2003 | 03:08 PM
  #8  
mapman's Avatar
mapman
Melting Slicks
20 Year Member
Active Streak: 30 Days
All Eyes On Me
 
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 3,050
Likes: 124
From: Wichita KS
Default Re: Auto Transmission problem (GaryS)

GaryS,

I did a quick search for transmission modulators at www(dot)autozone(dot)com for 1972 Corvette. They list both a 400 and a 350 transmission. The modulator part number is the same. There are several choices to identify the application under search, I was guessing about your 1972, but it looks like they may be the same.
Reply
Corvette Stories

The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts

story-0

5 Best & 5 Most Overrated Corvette Track Packages of All Time!

 Joe Kucinski
story-1

Every 2027 Corvette Engine Explained

 Joe Kucinski
story-2

Designer Imagines A Corvette That Looks More Like a Corvette Than the Corvette

 Verdad Gallardo
story-3

10 Ugly Corvettes That We Still Kinda Love

 Joe Kucinski
story-4

Top 10 Most Expensive Corvettes Ever Sold on Bring A Trailer

 Brett Foote
story-5

10 Things Every Corvette Owner Needs (2026 Edition)

 Michael S. Palmer
story-6

8 Most "Only Corvette Owners Understand" Quirks and Problems

 Pouria Savadkouei
story-7

10 Reasons the C6 Z06 is Still A Performance Benchmark After 20 Years

 Joe Kucinski
story-8

How Much Horsepower Every Corvette Engine "LOST" in 1972

 Joe Kucinski
story-9

Top 10 DOs and DON'Ts for Protecting Your Convertible Top!

 Michael S. Palmer
Old Jan 27, 2003 | 07:28 AM
  #9  
GaryS's Avatar
GaryS
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
15 Year Member
 
Joined: May 1999
Posts: 2,897
Likes: 0
From: Moon Township PA
Default Re: Auto Transmission problem (mapman)

Whoa Mapman! I didn't even think to try that route. Oh well. I learn new things each day. I will be doing a vacuum check and then pulling the VM to see if the installation is correct and to see if perhaps my new one is leaking. It only has 3000 miles on it.

News at 11.
Gary
Reply

Get notified of new replies

To Auto Transmission problem



Thread Tools
Search this Thread

All times are GMT -4. The time now is 01:50 PM.

story-0
5 Best & 5 Most Overrated Corvette Track Packages of All Time!

Slideshow: The 5 best and 5 most overrated Corvette track packages ever.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-06-09 12:46:45


VIEW MORE
story-1
Every 2027 Corvette Engine Explained

Slideshow: Every 2027 Corvette engine explained

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-06-09 12:16:31


VIEW MORE
story-2
Designer Imagines A Corvette That Looks More Like a Corvette Than the Corvette

Slideshow: A Jaguar designer's personal project imagines what a modern front-engined Corvette might look like if Chevrolet revisited the golden age of the Stingray.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-06-08 19:53:43


VIEW MORE
story-3
10 Ugly Corvettes That We Still Kinda Love

Slideshow: 10 ugly Corvettes that we still kinda love.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-06-03 10:34:17


VIEW MORE
story-4
Top 10 Most Expensive Corvettes Ever Sold on Bring A Trailer

A lot of money has changed hands at the online auction house over the years.

By Brett Foote | 2026-06-03 10:21:50


VIEW MORE
story-5
10 Things Every Corvette Owner Needs (2026 Edition)

Slideshow: 10 great gifts Corvette enthusiasts actually want for Father's Day!

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-06-03 15:43:40


VIEW MORE
story-6
8 Most "Only Corvette Owners Understand" Quirks and Problems

Slideshow: These are the quirks, annoyances, and oddly lovable problems that every Corvette owner eventually learns to live with.

By Pouria Savadkouei | 2026-05-28 09:31:39


VIEW MORE
story-7
10 Reasons the C6 Z06 is Still A Performance Benchmark After 20 Years

Slideshow: 10 reasons why the C6 Z06 is still a performance benchmark after 20 years.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-27 17:20:09


VIEW MORE
story-8
How Much Horsepower Every Corvette Engine "LOST" in 1972

Slideshow: How much horsepower every Corvette engine lost in 1972.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-27 16:54:53


VIEW MORE
story-9
Top 10 DOs and DON'Ts for Protecting Your Convertible Top!

Slideshow: How to Protect A Convertible Top: 10 DOs & DON'Ts

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-04-03 00:00:00


VIEW MORE