1985 Automatic Transmission trouble

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Sep 29, 2002 | 08:13 PM

dmorris

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From: Rocky Mount NC

1985 Automatic Transmission trouble

Under part throttle, my car shifts fine. Sometimes under full throttle, on the 2-3 shift, the motor revs like it is in neutral. It also does this sometimes when downshifting. The tranny was suposedly rebuilt about a year ago (I just got the car). The guy I bought it from seems straight up and I believe him. Also, the trans was painted black and when I was changing the distributor cap, I noticed yellow writing on top of the tranny where it bolts up to the motor. Someone told me this was a cable adjustment problem. I hope this isn't deep trouble. Help.
:confused:

[Modified by dmorris, 12:14 AM 9/30/2002]

Sep 29, 2002 | 10:41 PM

Bluevette85

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From: Latham NY

Re: 1985 Automatic Transmission trouble (dmorris)

1. Check fliud level.
2. Reset TV cable.
3. The only yellow writing I've seen on car parts is when they're taken off a salvaged car at the junk yard.

Sep 30, 2002 | 12:42 AM

dmorris

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From: Rocky Mount NC

Re: 1985 Automatic Transmission trouble (dmorris)

I don't think the yellow writing was salvage yard because it was over the black paint. I don't think they would bother to clean and paint a tranny before marking. I'm hoping it was done by the rebuilder for some reason (date or mileage maybe, I can't make it out). I guess I'm always going to assume the worst, but maybe it won't be this time. I'm taking in the shop tomorrow to be looked at. I feel the trans hasn't been in there too long because there was not much grease and dirt buildup on the top of the case when I was changing the distributor cap. I hope it really was a quality rebuild and I have a minor problem. My problem with automatics is that I don't really know how to work on them. I've rebuilt many motors but I think there is some voodoo in working on trannys.

Oct 2, 2002 | 01:26 AM

C4Dreams

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From: Waycross Georgia

Re: 1985 Automatic Transmission trouble (dmorris)

Re-do the TV cable...*adjust*...Someone want to post how to do this properly...I have to do the same...Since i just was givin the avalability to WOT in my vette, i need to adjust mine also...Trust me its just the TV cable if its like mine...I had a GENIOUS *not like i am one cause i cant spell* but anyways...He cut wires, hoses, rigged anything that came in his path...If i find this guy im gunna kick him in da Dingle Berries....Anyways...Anyone would be great to post a nice desc of how to do it...Thanks
C4Dreams

Oct 2, 2002 | 10:42 AM

dmorris

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From: Rocky Mount NC

Re: 1985 Automatic Transmission trouble (dmorris)

I carried my car in to the tranny shop for an opinion, and it wasn't good. The guy showed me a GM service bulletin about a bad sprag that causes this. Tranny removal time. The good deal I got on this car gets worse all the time. Tranny works fine, except under full throttle, then it can't find 3rd gear. How much trouble is it to remove the tranny on this car? I've removed several over the years, just not in corvettes.

Oct 2, 2002 | 02:49 PM

vettmech

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From: Charleston, WV

Re: 1985 Automatic Transmission trouble (dmorris)

To adjust the TV cable: push on the metal tab that's on the cable by the bracket. pull the cable back towards the firewall. release the metal tab and turn the throttle to WOT (engine off all during this :lol: )and it will pull the cable and automatically be adjusted.

Pulling the trans is pretty straight forward if you've done some before. A couple thinks to watch for: Drop the entire exhaust system in one peice (the exhaust manifold bolts may give you fits .... plenty of WD-40 here a day in advance MIGHT help). The torque arm is the rear MOUNT for the transand you may want to support the back of the engine until it's out (remove the dist cap?). The torque arm and driveshaft can come out together but don't have to.......I just prefer to do it that way and the torque arm may give you fits . going back together the bolts for it are a real PITA to get tight ...(use an impact if possible). Also a LIFT would be nice and a trans jack .......I used the jack for the exhaust too. The rest is pretty straight forward like I said IF you've done some in the past ..good luck :seeya

Oct 2, 2002 | 03:43 PM

Rick86

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Re: 1985 Automatic Transmission trouble (dmorris)

Quote:

I've rebuilt many motors but I think there is some voodoo in working on trannys.

I use to think that until I rebuilt my tranny. There is no black magic involved in rebuilding trannies. I didn't use any special tools. Mostly used two long flat tip screwdrivers and a dental pick. Get you a good book or video and if you don't want to use your tranny for practice go get one from the junk yard. I think rebuilding trannies is way easier than building engines.