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85 automatic stcking in 1st HELP

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Old Aug 30, 2005 | 01:37 PM
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Default 85 automatic stcking in 1st HELP

Back Again with a new problem...
My recent purchased 1985 Corvette is not sticking in first gear up to 40, 50 miles. The rpms rise and it will not shift untill it hit hits 45 miles and the rpms are way up there. Just started, any suggestions??? Car has 53K orig. miles. I also had the electrical low amp voltage problem. New 124 Alternater put in but I might have to much audio equipment, and I need to have some one look at that. But now I am hoping this new problem is NOT a major transmission issue. Some one suggested to check the cables to see if any have come lose. I hope it is that simple. Any ideas out there???? Getting fed up with the purchase! Thought it would run perfect! Thanks Alan
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Old Aug 30, 2005 | 01:49 PM
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check your tranny fluid level - i think low fluid could cause that problem.
or perhaps note if the fluid is dirty - 53K miles doesn't sound like it would need a tranny filter change, but you never know - fluid should be red/pink
i think brown fluid is indicative of a flush and filter change being necessary.


1985 transmissions are not electrical - they are all mechanical (as far as i know) - so electical should have NOTHING to do with it.
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Old Aug 30, 2005 | 01:53 PM
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It may have low miles but it is still almost 21 years old! A car that old is going to give you some problems but stick it out, it will be worth it! Having said that, when was the last time the fluid and filter were changed? I would do that first and also make sure no vacuum lines are leaking or unhooked.
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Old Aug 30, 2005 | 02:07 PM
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Default had fluids changed

Originally Posted by Togo
check your tranny fluid level - i think low fluid could cause that problem.
or perhaps note if the fluid is dirty - 53K miles doesn't sound like it would need a tranny filter change, but you never know - fluid should be red/pink
i think brown fluid is indicative of a flush and filter change being necessary.


1985 transmissions are not electrical - they are all mechanical (as far as i know) - so electical should have NOTHING to do with it.
Thanks for advice. I had the tranny fluid flush and replaced fluid. The color is red/pink. had oil change, tune up (spark plugs) and radiator taken out and cleaned and flushed. The problem just started and it has been out of shop for 2 weeks now. I did used low grade fuel instead of premium for the first time. Have no clue if that has any thing to do with it. We had the rpms set higher and then I lowered them again. It was idleing to high but with my low volt problem at stop and go traffic I though It might help.
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Old Aug 30, 2005 | 02:42 PM
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Originally Posted by casinomgr
We had the rpms set higher and then I lowered them again. It was idleing to high but with my low volt problem at stop and go traffic I though It might help.
The idle speed is burned into your prom (chip). There is no proper way to change the idle speed other than having a custom chip burned with a different idle speed. Regardless, the idle speed is not a part of your shifting problem. The shift points are controlled by the transmission governor. Pull it out and be sure the driven gear is in good shape and that neither the governor nor the governor valve are sticking.

RACE ON!!!
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Old Aug 30, 2005 | 02:53 PM
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Originally Posted by CFI-EFI
The idle speed is burned into your prom (chip). There is no proper way to change the idle speed other than having a custom chip burned with a different idle speed. Regardless, the idle speed is not a part of your shifting problem. The shift points are controlled by the transmission governor. Pull it out and be sure the driven gear is in good shape and that neither the governor nor the governor valve are sticking.

RACE ON!!!
where are the shift points located oin the engine? Can I do it myself? Thanks
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Old Aug 30, 2005 | 03:05 PM
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By 'shift points' he means the rpms at which the transmission shifts into the next gear. This is built in by the governor mechanism on the side of the transmission case
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Old Aug 30, 2005 | 03:48 PM
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Originally Posted by Dynabob
By 'shift points' he means the rpms at which the transmission shifts into the next gear. This is built in by the governor mechanism on the side of the transmission case
Would you possibly walk me through where to find transmission case and how to proceed from there. Not very engine smart...Sorry. I think that could be the problem if I can just figure out how to check it out!!! :o Thanks!!!
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Old Aug 30, 2005 | 04:35 PM
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Originally Posted by casinomgr
Not very engine smart...Sorry. I think that could be the problem if I can just figure out how to check it out!!! :o Thanks!!!
The transmission is not a part of the engine. You need a lot more automotive orientation before attempting this.

RACE ON!!!
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Old Aug 30, 2005 | 04:48 PM
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There is an adjustment cable for the transmission on the left side of the plenum. First make sure that the cable is attached if not that causes high shift points. Then you can adjust it per the service manual
You can buy one of the manuals at an Autozone or other parts stores
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Old Aug 30, 2005 | 06:19 PM
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Originally Posted by CFI-EFI
The idle speed is burned into your prom (chip). There is no proper way to change the idle speed other than having a custom chip burned with a different idle speed. Regardless, the idle speed is not a part of your shifting problem. The shift points are controlled by the transmission governor. Pull it out and be sure the driven gear is in good shape and that neither the governor nor the governor valve are sticking.

RACE ON!!!
Follow this advise. It is LIKELY a stripped governor gear. Pre 88 units are of poor quality. I upgrade all trans governor gears with the newer green style if it has not been done already. If it is grren and stripped, check governor end play. I shoot for approx .035.
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Old Aug 30, 2005 | 06:21 PM
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Originally Posted by CFI-EFI
The transmission is not a part of the engine. You need a lot more automotive orientation before attempting this.

RACE ON!!!
This is also true. Do not go into the trans if you are not an experieced wrench. This repair can be done, if it is needed, for minimal money at a trans shop. Auto transmissions seperate the men from the boys. They are possibly the most complex part of a car. Do not dive in unless you have 100% confidence in your ability.
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Old Aug 30, 2005 | 06:57 PM
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Originally Posted by Pete K
This is also true. Do not go into the trans if you are not an experieced wrench. This repair can be done, if it is needed, for minimal money at a trans shop. Auto transmissions seperate the men from the boys. They are possibly the most complex part of a car. Do not dive in unless you have 100% confidence in your ability.
Pete
Before going to a tranny shop I will check cable and try and adjust it. Is there a screw for the adjust like the idle adjust? Where is it located exactly? Thanks for all this help!!!!
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Old Aug 30, 2005 | 07:07 PM
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Originally Posted by casinomgr
Pete
Before going to a tranny shop I will check cable and try and adjust it. Is there a screw for the adjust like the idle adjust? Where is it located exactly? Thanks for all this help!!!!
The cable adjustment is a good idea. The button is located on the throttle cable bracket on the dr side of the intake plenum. There is a small button on the side of the plastic cable end. With engine off, push button in and hold in. While holing it in, pull the cable towards the firewall. Then release the button, and open the throttle linkage all the way, by hand. You will hear a clicking siund. when it is open all the way, and finished clicking, release the throttle linkage, start car and test drive. The cable adjustment is a smart thing to do, however, your symptoms are classic stripped gov gear. Keep us posted
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Old Aug 30, 2005 | 07:18 PM
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Originally Posted by Pete K
The cable adjustment is a good idea. The button is located on the throttle cable bracket on the dr side of the intake plenum. There is a small button on the side of the plastic cable end. With engine off, push button in and hold in. While holing it in, pull the cable towards the firewall. Then release the button, and open the throttle linkage all the way, by hand. You will hear a clicking siund. when it is open all the way, and finished clicking, release the throttle linkage, start car and test drive. The cable adjustment is a smart thing to do, however, your symptoms are classic stripped gov gear. Keep us posted
You Guys are so GREAT. Gonna give it a shot. I will keep you posted for sure. This is my 1st Vette as I quess you can tell, and I am a Lady owner, not a guy which you probrably can tell too. My husband got it for me from his friend who was 2nd owner and since I have had it (3 weeks now) Seems like can not get it right. Every one says stay with it, it is worth it but It is hard to get some one you trust not to run a HUGE bill up for minor problems. What is the cost if it is a stripped gov gear? Thanks guys, You have helped me understand so much more about this car. If I knew how to download I would post pics, It is a sweet Vette. Real Clean
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Old Aug 30, 2005 | 07:31 PM
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Originally Posted by casinomgr
You Guys are so GREAT. Gonna give it a shot. I will keep you posted for sure. This is my 1st Vette as I quess you can tell, and I am a Lady owner, not a guy which you probrably can tell too. My husband got it for me from his friend who was 2nd owner and since I have had it (3 weeks now) Seems like can not get it right. Every one says stay with it, it is worth it but It is hard to get some one you trust not to run a HUGE bill up for minor problems. What is the cost if it is a stripped gov gear? Thanks guys, You have helped me understand so much more about this car. If I knew how to download I would post pics, It is a sweet Vette. Real Clean
The gear wholesales for $2. It retails for $8. With fair labor, fluid, filter and endplay adjustment, $150 sounds fair to me. Local labor rates will surely dictate price.
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Old Aug 30, 2005 | 07:46 PM
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Originally Posted by Pete K
The gear wholesales for $2. It retails for $8. With fair labor, fluid, filter and endplay adjustment, $150 sounds fair to me. Local labor rates will surely dictate price.
Looks like a trip to the Tranny Shop! Tried to adjust the cable. Gonna have Alan do it when he gets home too. He has a 97 500HP Supra. Show room condition. He loves Supra's, I love Vettes HA
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Old Aug 31, 2005 | 12:00 AM
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Then you must be smarter than him too.You will get it sorted out and these cars do eat up the parts budget pretty quickly. I am working on some tranny issues myself and it is a very complex system best left to the pros to diagnose.When they run good all the money spent means nothing it is the smile that counts.
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