CONTENTS OF THIS SECTION
Figure Index all Transmissions
3-SPEED TRANSMISSION
Figure Index for 3-Speed Transmission Only
General Description
Maintenance Care and Adjustments
Major Service Operations
TRANSMISSION-OVERDRIVE
Figure Index for Transmission Overdrive Only
General Description
Maintenance, Care and Adjustment
Major Service Operations
Electrical Unit Checks
Troubles and Remedies
TRANSMISSION-POWERGLIDE
Figure Index for Powerglide Transmission Only
Driving Instructions
Maintenance
Service Adjustments
General Description
The Hydraulic System
Major Service Operations
Powerglide Diagnosis
TRANSMISSION-TURBOGLIDE
Figure Index for Turboglide Transmission Only
Driving Instruction
Care Maintenance and Adjustments
Service Adjustments
General Description
Major Service Operation
Assembly Manual
Figure Index
Fig. 1 - Transmission Cross Section (Top View)
Fig. 2 - Transmission Cross Section (Side View)
Fig. 3 - Gearshift Control
Fig. 4 - Construction of Keyway Tool
Fig. 5 - Aligning Gearshift Levers
Fig. 6 - Gearshift Linkage
Fig. 7 - Removing Mainshaft Oil Seal
Fig. 8 - Cover Assembly Installation
Fig. 9 - Removing Clutch Gear and Bearing
Fig. 10 - Synchronizer Adjustment
Fig. 11 - Mainshaft Assembly (Standard Transmission)
Fig. 12 - Layout of Transmission Parts
Fig. 13 - Removing Bearing Retaining Nut and Oil Slinger
Fig. 14 - Removing Clutch Gear Bearing
Fig. 15 - Removing Synchronizer Ring
Fig. 16 - Position of Energizing Spring
Fig. 17 - Reverse Idler Gear Shaft and Lock Pin
Fig. 18 - Countergear
Fig. 19 - Countergear Assembly Tool
Fig. 20 - Assembly of Countergear
Fig. 21 - Mainshaft Pilot Roller Bearings in Clutch Gear
Fig. 22 - Transmission Overdrive Mounting
Fig. 23 - Overdrive Cross Section
Fig. 24 - Drive Through Free-Wheeling Clutch
Fig. 25 - Clutch Cam and Roller Positions
Fig. 26 - Control Plate, Blocker Ring, and Pawl Positions
Fig. 27 - Drive with Overdrive Engaged
Fig. 28 - Pinion Cage vs Ring Gear
Fig. 29 - Drive with Overdrive Locked-Out
Fig. 30 - Overdrive Electrical Circuit Wiring Diagram
Fig. 31 - Removing Control Shaft Tapered Pin
Fig. 32 - Removing Overdrive Housing and Shaft Assembly
Fig. 33 - Removing Output Shaft from Housing
Fig. 34 - Overdrive Output Shaft Assembly
Fig. 35 - Removing Speedometer Drive Gear
Fig. 36 - Removing Clutch Cam Retaining Clips
Fig. 37 - Removing Sun Gear and Shift Rail Assemblies
Fig. 38 - Removing Solenoid
Fig. 39 - Removing Control Plate Retainer Snap Ring
Fig. 40 - Control Plate, Blocker Ring Pawl Positions for Assembly
Fig. 41 - Removing Adapter from Transmission
Fig. 42 - Layout of Overdrive Parts
Fig. 43 - Measuring Blocker Ring Tension
Fig. 44 - Installation of Cam Roller Retaining Springs
Fig. 45 - Shift Rail, Fork and Spring Assembly
Fig. 46 - Installing Housing and Shaft Assembly
Fig. 47 - Checking Relay Air Gap
Fig. 48 - Adjusting Relay Point Opening
Fig. 49 - Adjusting Relay Closing Voltage
Fig. 50 - Transmission and Overdrive Special Tools
1957 Powerglide Transmission
Fig. 1 - Location of Dipstick
Fig. 2 - Filling Transmission
Fig. 3 - Adjusting Throttle Linkage - Six Cylinder
Fig. 4 - Use of Outer Throttle Valve Lever Gauge
Fig. 5 - Adjusting Throttle Linkage - Eight Cylinder
Fig. 6 - Transmission Cross Section
Fig. 7 - Torque Requirement (Level Ground)
Fig. 8 - Torque Graduations
Fig. 9 - Torque Converter - Cross Section
Fig. 10 - Oil Flow Through Converter
Fig. 11 - Planetary Cross Section
Fig. 12 - Power Flow - Low
Fig. 13 - Power Flow - Drive
Fig. 14 - Power Flow - Reverse
Fig. 15 - Valve Body - Cross Section
Fig. 16 - Pressure Regulator Valve - Engine Not Running
Fig. 17 - Pressure Regulator Valve - Engine Running
Fig. 18 - Closed Throttle Downshift Cushion Valve Closed and Forced Downshift Cushion Valve Open
Fig. 19 - Closed Throttle Downshift Cushion Valve Open and Forced Downshift Cushion Valve Open
Fig. 20 - Forced Downshift Cushion Valve Closed and Closed Throttle Downshift Cushion Valve Closed
Fig. 21 - Layout of Governor Assembly
Fig. 22 - Drive Clutch Relief Valve
Fig. 23 - Oil Circuits - Automatic Low Range
Fig. 24 - Oil Circuits - Low Drive Valve Body
Fig. 25 - Oil Circuits - Automatic High Range
Fig. 26 - Oil Circuits - Manual Low
Fig. 27 - Oil Circuits - Reverse
Fig. 28 - Oil Circuits - Neutral and Park
Fig. 29 - Composite Layout - Oil Hole Identification
Fig. 30 - Bolt Access Hole in Flywheel Housing - Eight Cylinder
Fig. 31 - Converter Assembly Holding Tool
Fig. 32 - Transmission in Assembly Fixture
Fig. 33 - Removing Low and Drive Valve Body
Fig. 34 - Removing Housing to Transmission Self Locking Bolt
Fig. 35 - Removing Front Oil Pump
Fig. 36 - Removing Transmission Extension Oil Seal
Fig. 37 - Removing Speedometer Drive Gear
Fig. 38 - Removing Transmission Rear Bearing
Fig. 39 - Aligning Rear Oil Pump Drive Pin with Slot in Oil Pump Cover
Fig. 40 - Removing Lubrication Pressure Relief Valve
Fig. 41 - Installing "O" Ring Seals
Fig. 42 - Layout of Converter Parts
Fig. 43 - Layout of Stator Parts
Fig. 44 - Removing Converter Cover Bushing
Fig. 45 - Replacing Converter Cover Bushing
Fig. 46 - Installation of Roller Springs
Fig. 47 - Assembling Stator
Fig. 48 - Installing Converter Cover to Pump
Fig. 49 - Removing Clutch Spring Snap Ring
Fig. 50 - Layout of Clutch Drum Assembly
Fig. 51 - Layout of Clutch Assembly
Fig. 52 - Checking Seating of Clutch Piston Outer Seal
Fig. 53 - Checking End Play of Clutch Flange
Fig. 54 - Layout of Servo Cover
Fig. 55 - Assembling Booster Valve and Guide
Fig. 56 - Installing Booster Valve and Guide in Servo Cover
Fig. 57 - Layout of Front Pump
Fig. 58 - Installing Pump Body Oil Seal
Fig. 59 - Clearance Pump Body Bushing to Converter Pump Hub
Fig. 60 - Clearance - O.D. Gear and Body
Fig. 61 - Clearance Crescent to Internal Gear
Fig. 62 - Gear End Clearance
Fig. 63 - Layout Rear Pump
Fig. 64 - Layout of Valve Body Assembly
Fig. 65 - Removing Low and Drive Valve Body Snap Ring
Fig. 66 - Layout of Low and Drive Valve Body
Fig. 67 - Setting of Throttle Valve Inner Lever Adjustment
Fig. 68 - Layout of Governor Assembly
Fig. 69 - Governor Valve Opening at Entry
Fig. 70 - Governor Valve Opening at Exhaust
Fig. 71 - Pressing Gear Out Of Sleeve
Fig. 72 - Pressing Gear Into Sleeve
Fig. 73 - Drilling New Pin Hole
Fig. 74 - Checking Piston Servo Ring Gap
Fig. 75 - Removing Low Servo Piston Rod Retainer
Fig. 76 - Layout of Low Servo Piston
Fig. 77 - Checking Planet Gear End Clearance
Fig. 78 - Mark Each Pinion Shaft
Fig. 79 - Removing Planet Pinion
Fig. 80 - Assembling Needle Bearings to Pinion
Fig. 81 - Installing Planet Pinion
Fig. 82 - Installing Transmission Rear Bearing
Fig. 83 - Removing Transmission Extension Bearing
Fig. 84 - Installing Transmission Extension Bushing
Fig. 85 - Layout - Reverse Brake Band
Fig. 86 - Layout - Low Brake Band
Fig. 87 - Tightening Valve Body Attaching Bolts
Fig. 88 - Guide Pins in Front Pump
Fig. 89 - Tightening Pump to Valve Body Bolts
Fig. 90 - Installing Rear Bearing
Fig. 91 - Installing Speedometer Drive Gear
Fig. 92 - Measuring Sun Gear Depth
Fig. 93 - Checking for Proper Low to Reverse Sun Gear Clearance
Fig. 94 - Checking Clearance Between Parking Lock Lever and Steel Washer
Fig. 95 - Installing Parking Lock Pawl Spring
Fig. 96 - Installing Valve Body to Case Gasket
Fig. 97 - Adjusting Low Servo
Fig. 98 - Checking Engagement of Converter Pump Hub with Front Pump Drive Gear
Fig. 99 - Use of Outer Throttle Valve Lever Gauge
Fig. 100 - Adjusting Throttle Linkage - Six Cylinder
Fig. 101 - Use of Outer Throttle Valve Lever Gauge
Fig. 102 - Adjusting Throttle Linkage - Eight Cylinder
Fig. 103 - Check Points
Fig. 104 - Check Points
Fig. 105 - Check Points
Fig. 106 - Governor Curve Graph
Fig. 107 - Connecting Pressure Gauges
Fig. 108 - Powerglide Transmission Special Tools
1957 Turboglide Transmission
Fig. 1 - Turboglide Shift Lever Pattern and Quadrant
Fig. 2 - Location of Dipstick
Fig. 3 - Filling Transmission
Fig. 4 - Positive Linkage Adjustment
Fig. 5 - Neutral Safety Switch Alignment
Fig. 6 - Throttle Detent Linkage Adjustment
Fig. 7 - Turboglide Cross Section
Fig. 7A - Turboglide Cross Section Parts Listing
Fig. 8 - Elements of Converter and Transmission
Fig. 9 - Operation of Clutch and Planetary Gears in First Turbine Phase of Converter in Drive (D)
Fig. 10 - Operation of Clutches and Planetary Gears in Second Turbine Phase of Converter in Drive (D)
Fig. 11 - Operation of Clutches and Planetary Gears in Third Turbine Phase of Converter in Drive (D)
Fig. 12 - Stator Position
Fig. 13 - Operation of Clutches, Planetary Gears and Converter in Hill Retarder (Hr)
Fig. 14 - Operation of Clutches, Planetary Gears and Converter in Reverse (R)
Fig. 15 - Oil Flow in Neutral and Park, Showing Converter Feed, Lubrication and Cooling
Fig. 16 - Oil Flow in Direct Drive - Stator at Low Angle
Fig. 17 - Oil Flow in Direct Drive - Stator at High Angle
Fig. 18 - Oil Flow in Hill Retarder
Fig. 19 - Oil Flow in Reverse
Fig. 20 - Transmission Attaching Bolts
Fig. 21 - Transmission in Holding Fixture
Fig. 22 - Removing Converter Holding Tool
Fig. 23 - Removing Converter
Fig. 24 - Speedometer Gear
Fig. 25 - Removing Speedometer Drive Gear
Fig. 26 - Removing Oil Pump Drive Pin
Fig. 27 - Bottom View of Transmission with Oil Pan Removed
Fig. 28 - Valve Body Assembly and Oil Pressure Tubes
Fig. 29 - Removing Front Oil Pump Assembly
Fig. 30 - Removing Reverse Cone
Fig. 31 - Removing Neutral Clutch and Front Ring Gear Assembly
Fig. 32 - Removing Front Planet Carrier from Front Sun Gear Freewheel Assembly
Fig. 33 - Removing Forward Cone Retaining Ring
Fig. 34 - Removing Forward and Brake Piston Support Assembly
Fig. 35 - Removing Rear Unit Ring and Carrier and Output Shaft
Fig. 36 - Valve Body Controls
Fig. 37 - Thermal By-Pass Valve and Vacuum Diaphragm
Fig. 38 - Exploded View of Converter
Fig. 39 - Removing Drive Pins from Turbine Shell
Fig. 40 - First Turbine Ring Remover
Fig. 41 - Exploded View of Stator
Fig. 42 - Installing Converter Cover Bushing
Fig. 43 - Installing First Turbine Hub Bushing and Needle Bearing
Fig. 44 - Installing Stator Blades
Fig. 45 - Stator Freewheel Cam Installation
Fig. 46 - Installing Needle Thrust Bearing in Second Turbine
Fig. 47 - Turbine Installation
Fig. 48 - Installing Drive Pins
Fig. 49 - Pinion End Clearance
Fig. 50 - Exploded View of Rear Planetary Carrier Assembly and Output Shaft
Fig. 51 - Pressing Output Shaft from Rear Carrier
Fig. 52 - Installing Rear Carrier to Output Shaft
Fig. 53 - Exploded View of Front Planet Carrier Assembly
Fig. 54 - Exploded View of Front Pump and Reverse Piston Assembly
Fig. 55 - Installing Front Pump Oil Seal
Fig. 56 - Checking Clearance Between Front Pump Body Bushing and Converter Pump Hub
Fig. 57 - Checking Clearance Between O.D. Front Pump Driven Gear and Body
Fig. 58 - Checking Clearance Between Front Pump Internal Gear and Crescent
Fig. 59 - Checking Front Pump Gear End Clearance
Fig. 60 - Aligning Stator Support to Pump Body
Fig. 61 - Exploded View of Rear Oil Pump
Fig. 62 - Installing Oil Pump Bushing
Fig. 63 - Exploded View of Sun Gear Free Wheeling Assembly
Fig. 64 - Removing Sun Gear Bushing
Fig. 65 - Installing Sun Gear Bushing
Fig. 66 - Correct Installation of Sprags
Fig. 67 - Staking Sun Gear Retainer to Sun Gear
Fig. 68 - Exploded View of Neutral Clutch and Ring Gear
Fig. 69 - Location of Ball Check Valve in Neutral Clutch Piston Hub
Fig. 70 - Installing Front Ring Gear Hub Bushing
Fig. 71 - Exploded View of Forward and Brake Piston and Support
Fig. 72 - Removing Forward Piston from Brake Piston
Fig. 73 - Installing Transmission Case Rear Bushing
Fig. 74 - Valve Body Assembly Components
Fig. 75 - Exploded View of Vacuum Modulator Valve
Fig. 76 - Removing Accumulator Valve Retaining Ring
Fig. 77 - Exploded View of Hydraulic Modulator Valve
Fig. 78 - Exploded View of Valve Body
Fig. 79 - Oil Passage Pipe Plugs
Fig. 80 - Installing Rear Extension Oil Seal
Fig. 81 - Installing Stator Control Lever
Fig. 82 - Valve Body Controls
Fig. 83 - Installing Rear Unit Ring Gear and Output Shaft
Fig. 84 - Seating Forward Cone Ring
Fig. 85 - Installing Needle Bearing on Extension of Front Carrier
Fig. 86 - Installing Front Carrier Into Neutral Clutch Assembly
Fig. 87 - Install Front Sun Gear Freewheel Unit to Front Carrier
Fig. 88 - Installing Neutral Clutch and Freewheel Unit Into Case
Fig. 89 - Installing Reverse Cone Ring
Fig. 90 - Gauge Mounted on Rear of Front Pump
Fig. 91 - Gauge Installed in Transmission Case
Fig. 92 - Installing Front Oil Pump
Fig. 93 - Assembly Alignment Measurement
Fig. 94 - Installing Converter Holding Tool
Fig. 95 - Installing Rear Oil Pump Gear Drive Pin
Fig. 96 - Thermal By-Pass Valve and Vacuum Diaphragm
Fig. 97 - Installing Oil Pressure Tubes
Fig. 98 - Bottom View of Transmission, Oil Pan Removed
Fig. 99 - Installing Speedometer Gear
Fig. 100 - Positive Linkage Adjustment
Fig. 101 - Carburetor to Transmission Linkage
Fig. 102 - Test Pressure Plug
Fig. 103 - Turboglide Transmission Special Tools
Figure Index for 3 Speed Transmission Only
Fig. 1 - Transmission Cross Section (Top View)
Fig. 2 - Transmission Cross Section (Side View)
Fig. 3 - Gearshift Control
Fig. 4 - Construction of Keyway Tool
Fig. 5 - Aligning Gearshift Levers
Fig. 6 - Gearshift Linkage
Fig. 7 - Removing Mainshaft Oil Seal
Fig. 8 - Cover Assembly Installation
Fig. 9 - Removing Clutch Gear and Bearing
Fig. 10 - Synchronizer Adjustment
Fig. 11 - Mainshaft Assembly (Standard Transmission)
Fig. 12 - Layout of Transmission Parts
Fig. 13 - Removing Bearing Retaining Nut and Oil Slinger
Fig. 14 - Removing Clutch Gear Bearing
Fig. 15 - Removing Synchronizer Ring
Fig. 16 - Position of Energizing Spring
Fig. 17 - Reverse Idler Gear Shaft and Lock Pin
Fig. 18 - Countergear
Fig. 19 - Countergear Assembly Tool
Fig. 20 - Assembly of Countergear
Fig. 21 - Mainshaft Pilot Roller Bearings in Clutch Gear
3-Speed Transmission
A three-speed synchromesh transmission (fig. 1 and (fig. 2) is used as standard equipment on all passenger cars. This transmission incorporates all helical gears which are machined from drop forged steel gear blanks, heat treated and shot peened for strength and long life. The shafts are machined from high grade steel, heat treated and ground to close limits.
The rear end of the clutch gear is supported by a heavy duty ball bearing at the front end of the transmission case and is piloted at its front end in an oil impregnated bushing mounted in the engine crankshaft. The front end of the mainshaft is piloted in a double row of roller bearings set into the hollow end of the clutch gear and the rear end is carried by a ball bearing.
The countergear is carried on roller bearings at both ends while thrust is taken on thrust washers located between ends of gear and front and rear of the case.
The reverse idler gear is carried on ball indented bronze bushings while thrust is taken on thrust washers located between ends of gear and front and rear of the case.
Gearshifting is manual through a concentric steering column gearshift mechanism (fig. 3) to the transmission cover located on the side of the transmission. Shifting is accomplished by two rotating cranks which directly engage the gears to be shifted, thus affording a highly efficient mechanical action. The shifter key for selection between first and reverse and second and high is contained in the lower end of the shifter tube and the two levers which it controls are carried on the shifter tube. Two shifter control rods connect the shifter levers on the transmission to the shifter tube levers.
Rotating motion created by moving the gearshift lever is transmitted to the levers on the shifter tube and thence to the shifter levers on the transmission cover, thus shifting into the selected gear.
Gearshift Lever Adjustment
Speedometer Driven Gear
Mainshaft Oil Seal
Transmission Side Cover Assembly
Gearshift Lever Adjustment
In cases where the gearshift linkage has been disconnected, it should be adjusted as follows:
NOTE: If most jacket lower dash clamp has been disturbed, at its mounting on dash, its eccentricity adjustment to the steering mainshaft should be followed as outlined in the procedure in Section 9 of this manual supplement.
Disconnect speedometer cable, remove lock plate to housing bolt and
lock washer and remove lock plate. Insert screwdriver in lock plate slot
in fitting and pry fitting, gear and shaft from housing. Pry "O"
ring from groove in fitting. Install new "O" ring in groove in
fitting and insert shaft. Hold the assembly so slot in fitting is toward
lock plate boss on housing and install in housing. Push fitting into
housing until lock plate can be inserted in groove and attached to
housing.
Mainshaft Oil Seal
Removal
On any replacement of parts in the side cover assembly it is necessary to remove cover from transmission case.
Removal
Disassembly
Cleaning and Inspection
Repairs
Assembly
Removal
Bearings
Transmission Case
Wash the transmission case inside and outside with a cleaning solvent and inspect for cracks. Inspect the front face which fits against clutch housing for burrs and if any are present, dress them off with a fine cut mill file.
Gears
Mainshaft, Rear Bearing, Second Speed Gear and Speedometer Drive Gear
Clutch Gear Bearing
Clutch Sleeve and Synchronizer Rings
Synchronizer Energizing Springs
Reverse Idler Gear Bushings
Countergear Needle Bearings
Mainshaft, Rear Bearing, Second Speed Gear, and Speedometer Drive Gear
(see fig. 11)
Disassembly
Assembly
Removal
CAUTION: Do not attempt to drive the shaft out of the bearing or the bearing will be seriously damaged.
Installation
CAUTION: The bearing must turn as freely after it is installed to the shaft as it turned before being placed on the shaft.
Disassembly
Assembly
CAUTION: In replacing either energizing spring, be very
careful not to distort the spring when expanding it over the clutch
teeth.
Reverse Idler Gear Bushings
All countergear needle bearings should be inspected closely and
if excessive wear shows they should all be replaced as well as the
shaft.
Assembly
Reverse Idler Gear and Countergear
Clutch Sleeve, Mainshaft and Clutch Gear Bearing
Installation
Troubles and Remedies
Transmission Specifications and Torque Specifications
Reverse Idler Gear and Countergear
Reverse Idler Gear
Countergear
NOTE: The flat on shaft must be horizontal and at the
BOTTOM or the transmission case extension cannot be assembled to
transmission case. On overdrive equipped transmission, flat must be
horizontal and at TOP of shaft to engage the overdrive adapter.
Clutch Sleeve, Mainshaft and Clutch Gear Bearing
Clutch Sleeve
Install the synchronizing clutch sleeve assembly, with first and reverse sliding gear, in transmission case.
Mainshaft
Clutch Gear and Bearing
Symptom and Probable Cause
Probable Remedy
Slips Out of High Gear
a. Transmission loose on clutch housing.
a. Tighten mounting bolts.
b. Dirt between transmission case and clutch housing.
b. Clean mating surfaces.
c. Misalignment of transmission.
c. Shim between transmission case and clutch housing.
d. Clutch gear bearing retainer broken or loose.
d. Tighten or replace clutch gear bearing retainer.
e. Damaged mainshaft pilot bearing.
e. Replace pilot bearing.
f. Does not fully engage.
f. Measure length of engagement pattern on clutching teeth. If less
than 7/64", check for
bent levers, shifter shafts, detent
cam plates, control rods and other shift linkage. Replace
or
straighten defective parts.
g. Control rods interfere with engine mounts or clutch throw-out
lever.
g. Replace or
bend levers and rods to eliminate interference.
h. Control linkage does not work freely, binds.
h. Adjust and free up shift linkage. Torque reactions of engine
should not cause the lever
on transmission to move. The
movement of transmission with respect to body and frame
should
be transferred to the control linkage.
Slips Out of Low and/or Reverse
a. First and/or Reverse gears damaged from operating at part
engagement.
a.
Determine cause, for example, worn shift fork and control lever or rod
interference.
Replace worn or bent parts.
b. Improper mated splines on inside of first and reverse gear and/or
external spline on 2nd and 3rd
clutch sleeve.
b. Replace 2nd or 3rd speed clutch sleeve and/or first, and reverse
sliding gear. Possible correction is
to change index of gear on
clutch sleeve approximately 180 degrees and/or turning the rear side of
first and reverse gear to the front of the transmission.
c. Improperly adjusted linkage.
c. Adjust Linkage.
Noisy in All Gears
a. Insufficient lubricant.
a. Fill to correct level.
b. Worn countergear bearings.
b. Replace countergear bearings and shaft.
c. Worn or damaged clutch gear and countershaft drive gear.
c. Replace worn or damaged gears.
d. Damaged clutch gear or mainshaft ball bearings.
d. Replace damaged bearings.
e. Damaged speedometer gears.
e. Replace damaged gears.
Noisy in High Gears.
a. Damaged clutch gear bearing.
a. Replace damaged bearing.
b. Damaged mainshaft bearing.
b. Replace damaged bearings.
c. Damaged speedometer gears.
c. Replace speedometer gears.
Noisy in Neutral with Engine Running
a. Damaged clutch gear bearing.
a. Replace damaged bearings.
b. Damaged mainshaft bearing.
b. Replace damaged bearings.
Noisy in All Reduction Gears
a. Insufficient lubricant.
a. Fill to correct level.
b. Worn or damaged clutch gear or counter drive gear.
b. Replace faulty or damaged gears.
Noisy in Second Only
a. Damaged or worn second speed constant mesh fears.
a. Replace damaged gears.
b. Worn or damaged countergear rear bearings.
b. Replace counter gear bearings and shaft.
Noisy in Low and Reverse Only
a. Worn or damaged first and reverse sliding gear.
a. Replace worn gear.
b. Damaged or worn low and reverse countergear.
b. Replace countergear assembly.
Noisy in Reverse Only
a. Worn or damaged reverse idler.
a. Replace reverse idler.
b. Worn reverse idler bushings.
b. Replace reverse idler.
c. Damaged or worn reverse countergear.
c. Replace countergear assembly.
Excessive Backlash in Second Only
a. Second speed gear thrustwasher worn.
a. Replace thrustwasher.
b. Mainshaft rear bearing not properly installed in case.
b. Replace bearing, lock or case as necessary.
c. Universal joint retaining bolt loose.
c. Tighten bolt.
d. Worn countergear rear bearing.
d. Replace countergear bearings and shaft.
Excessive Backlash in All Reduction Gears
a. Worn countergear bushings.
a. Replace countergear.
b. Excessive end play in countergear.
b. Replace countergear thrustwashers.
Leaks Lubricant
a. Excessive amount of lubricant in transmission.
a. Drain to correct level.
b. Loose or broken clutch gear bearing retainer.
b. Tighten or replace retainer.
c. Clutch gear bearing retainer gasket damaged.
c. Replace gasket.
d. Cover loose or gasket damaged.
d. Tighten cover or replace gasket.
e. Operating shaft seal leaks.
e. Replace operating shaft seal.
f. Idler shaft expansion plugs loose.
f. Replace expansion plugs.
g. Countershaft loose in case.
g. Replace case.
Transmission Specifications
Type - Selective Synchromesh
Speeds - Three forward-one reverse.
Location - In unit with engine
Gears-Type - All helical
Bearings
Clutch Gear - Ball Bearing
Countershaft -50 Rollers-1/8" Dia. x 3/4"
Mainshaft
Front Pilot - 14 Rollers-3/16" dia. x 33/64"
Rear Pilot - 24 Rollers-1/8" dia. x 1/2"
Mainshaft Rear - Ball Bearing
Reverse Idler Bushing (front and
rear) Bronze
Gear Ratio
First - 2.94 to 1
Second - 1.68
to 1
Third - 1.00 to 1
Reverse - 2.94 to 1
Service Data
Mainshaft Rear Bearing End Play - .003"
max.
Reverse Idler Gear Bushing
Clearance - .002"-.004"
Second Speed Gear End Play - Approx. .010"
Torque Specifications
Clutch Gear Bearing Retainer Cap Screws - 10-15 ft.
lbs.
Side Cover Retaining Cap Screws - 15-18 ft. lbs.
General Description
Operation
Mechanical
Electrical
Wiring
General Description
The overdrive unit (fig. 22 and fig. 23) is essentially a two-speed planetary transmission attached to the rear of a conventional three-speed transmission. In overdrive, engine speed is approximately 30 per cent slower at a given road speed since the drive train includes planetary gears which provide a lower overall gear ratio than that obtained in high gear with the conventional transmission.
The electrical equipment which controls the automatic action of
the mechanical portion of the overdrive unit consists of a solenoid, a
speed sensitive governor switch, a relay and a kickdown switch. The
circuit including this equipment makes it possible to operate in
overdrive above a pre-set cut-in speed, or in conventional drive at any
speed.
Operation
Highway Driving
City Traffic Driving
Use of Clutch Pedal
Highway Driving
When the car is operated below a predetermined "cut-in"
speed, varying from 26 to 30 mph, the direct drive is used, making
available the acceleration so desirable at lower speeds. As the car
speed increases above the cut-in point the overdrive unit will shift
into the overdrive ratio, but only when the driver desires no further
acceleration; when consciously, or unconsciously, he lifts his foot from
the accelerator, whereupon the shift is completed. Thereafter, the
overdrive remains in effect until the car speed falls below the "cut-out"
point, when the overdrive is released. However, at high speeds, the
driver while operating in overdrive may require additional acceleration,
beyond that available by opening the throttle wide. His natural impulse
is to press the accelerator further, and this act releases the
overdrive, making available the full acceleration of direct drive. The
direct drive is retained so long as the full acceleration is required;
when the driver no longer requires it he unconsciously lifts his foot
from the accelerator, whereupon the overdrive is resumed. If the driver
so desires, he may retain the direct drive indefinitely by maintaining a
small amount of throttle opening.
City Traffic Driving
Much city driving is under conditions which permit speeds up to 35
mph, with frequent stops. Many drivers are accustomed to start in second
gear under such conditions. With overdrive-equipped cars, the driver may
start in second gear, accelerate up to the cut-in speed, and, by merely
lifting the foot from the accelerator pedal, engage the overdrive-second
gear combination. At the first traffic stop, it is merely necessary to
release the clutch; the gearshift lever is not touched. Furthermore, if
a special burst of acceleration is needed in a tight traffic spot, the
full power of second gear may be had by pressing the accelerator to the
floor, resuming the overdrive-second by the usual method of closing the
throttle.
Use of Clutch Pedal
At speeds below the overdrive cut-in point, the free-wheeling action
of the overdrive unit makes it possible to do all gearshifting without
releasing the main clutch. Above cut-in speed, it is necessary to
release the clutch for shifting gears, and likewise, the clutch must be
released when the car is being started from standstill, and whenever it
is being brought to a stop.
Mechanical
Free-wheeling Direct Drive
Overdrive
Driver Controlled Downshift (Kickdown)
Conventional Drive
Free-Wheeling Direct Drive
The transmission mainshaft (fig. 24) extends thru the sun gear and is splined into the pinion cage and roller clutch cam. The latter has 12 cam surfaces, and 12 clutch rollers located against these surfaces by means of the roller retainer and the roller retainer spring. When a driving torque is applied against the cam, the rollers are forced outward into wedging contact with the outer race (fig. 25), thus driving the car. Under such driving conditions, all the overdrive gears and their directly-associated control parts revolve together as a unit.
When the driving torque is removed from the cam, the rollers
release their wedging contact (fig.
25), permitting the roller clutch to overrun, with the mainshaft,
pinion cage, and engine turning at a slower speed than the ring gear,
output shaft, and propeller shaft. Under such conditions, the ring gear
will turn faster than the pinion cage, and the sun gear will turn
slower. In fact, the sun gear may turn forward, stand still, or turn
backward, depending solely upon the relative speeds of the transmission
mainshaft, and the output shaft. If the mainshaft is turning at exactly
70'7o of the speed of the output shaft, the sun gear will stand still;
if it turns faster than this, relatively, the sun gear will turn
forward; and if it turns slower, the sun gear will turn backward. If the
engine is idling with the car moving forward, this reverse rotation may
be quite fast.
Overdrive
At car speeds below 26 to 30 mph (the "cut-in" speed), the electrical control system is completely inactive. Assuming that the car is being accelerated below the 26 to 30 mph cut-in speed with the dash control pushed in (fig. 24), the sun gear control plate revolves along with the sun gear at the speed of the transmission mainshaft. Under such circumstances, the blocker ring, by its frictional drag upon the hub of the control plate, is rotated into such a position as to latch the control pawl against inward movement (fig. 26).
When the car reaches the cut-in speed, the governor contacts close, acting through the overdrive electrical. circuits to energize the solenoid. The latter sets up a spring pressure against the pawl, tending to push it into engagement. This movement is prevented by the blocker. However, the driver, either unconsciously, or consciously, and according to his own choice, may momentarily close the throttle, whereupon the roller clutch releases, and the engine slows down. At the same time, the sun gear slows down, more rapidly, so that the sun gear passes through the standstill condition when the engine speed has fallen 30, and then reverses its motion. Upon the instant of reversal, the blocker ring, moved by its frictional drive from the control plate hub, also rotates slightly in this direction and releases the pawl which snaps into the first notch of the backwardly-rotating control plate (fig. 26). With the sun gear thus held against rotation, (fig. 27), the pinion cage, and hence, the engine, will revolve through only 0.7 turn for each turn of the propeller shaft (fig. 28).
The extreme rapidity of the pawl engagement insures that the
control plate cannot rotate backward more than 1/3 turn at the most;
usually, it will be less. This engagement, at nearly perfect
synchronism, accounts for the smooth action of this control. Once
engaged, under the conditions of normal driving, the overdrive is in
action until the car speed falls to a value 4 or 5 mph lower than the
cut-in speed, when the governor contacts open, releasing the solenoid,
which withdraws the pawl (if throttle is closed), whereupon
Driver Controlled Downshift (Kickdown)
It has been noted, above, that when the overdrive is engaged, the engine turns only 0.7 as fast as when in direct drive. This reduces the power available (excepting at high car speeds) and although this reduced power is usually sufficient for all purposes, there are times when it is desirable to return to direct drive, for more power, without reducing the car speed to the point where the overdrive would normally release.
Under such circumstances, the driver merely presses the
accelerator pedal to the wide-open position. Through suitable electrical
controls, this releases the solenoid, urging the pawl toward release
from the control plate. However, due to the driving torque reaction, the
pawl is held, and cannot move to release until the torque is momentarily
relieved. This is accomplished by interrupting the ignition, whereupon
the pawl snaps to release, which immediately restores the ignition. When
the overdrive has been thus disengaged the roller clutch carries the
direct drive, and the driver may hold it in this condition at his
pleasure, until he chooses to re-engage overdrive by merely lifting his
foot from the accelerator, momentarily. Thereupon the overdrive is
resumed, unless the car speed has in the meantime fallen below the
overdrive release point.
Conventional Drive
Although the normal procedure is to operate the unit as above, taking advantage of the freewheeling and the overdrive, there are times, as when descending long, steep grades, where it may be desirable to use the frictional drag of the engine as a brake. Under such circumstances, the overdrive dash control may be pulled out, swinging the control lever (fig. 29) forward, thus moving the shift rail and shift fork backwards, shifting the sun gear so that the lockup teeth will engage the corresponding teeth of the pinion cage. This causes the entire group of working parts to revolve as a unit, duplicating in all respects the action of the conventional transmission. In order to thus lock up the unit, if the car is in motion, it is necessary to open the throttle, to assure that all parts revolve together, or to release the overdrive, if engaged, by pressing the accelerator pedal to the floor pulling out the overdrive dash control at the same time. Thereafter, the car will have the usual conventional drive until the driver chooses to push the overdrive dash control in, which may be easily done at any time.
Since the roller clutch will not transmit a reverse drive, it is
necessary for the lock up mechanism to be used whenever reverse drive is
desired. This is done, automatically, by the transmission reverse shift
mechanism, which pushes the shift rail to the rear, independently of the
overdrive control lever, whenever the transmission is shifted into
reverse.
Electrical
Solenoid
Governor, Relay and Kickdown Switch
Solenoid
The overdrive solenoid is mounted on the left side of the overdrive adapter. The solenoid contains two windings, a hold-in and pull-winding. The hold-in winding (dashed line, figure 30) consists of many turns of fine wire and remains energized as long as the overdrive is in operation. The hold-in winding (solid line) contains fewer turns of heavier wire and is necessary to create a magnetic field strong enough to start and complete the solenoid plunger movement. Once this movement is completed the hold-in winding alone is sufficiently strong to maintain the plunger in the "bottomed" position. Therefore, as the plunger moves into the "bottomed" position, the pull-in circuit is broken by a built-in stop which opens a pair of spring-loaded contact points which are normally closed. Another pair of contact points within the solenoid, also spring-loaded but normally open, are permitted to close by movement of the "pawl rod" when the overdrive becomes engaged. The pawl rod is a part of the solenoid plunger assembly which extends outside the solenoid case.
The end of this rod is shaped to interlock with a movable pawl (fig. 26) in the overdrive unit. Solenoid operation causes the pawl
alternately to engage or disengage with a control plate which is a part
of the overdrive unit. The control plate, when engaged by the pawl holds
the sun gear of the overdrive unit against rotation to permit overdrive
operations. The control plate, when not engaged by the pawl, rotates
freely with the sun gear and conventional operation of the transmission
is obtained.
Governor
The governor switch mounted on the right side of the overdrive housing, is operated by centrifugal force. It prohibits overdrive operation until the car has reached a predetermined cut-in speed at which time the electrical contacts close.
The solenoid relay mounted on the left front of the radiator baffle panel is essentially a switch which is operated electromagnetically. When current flows through a winding in the relay, contacts in the relay are closed by the magnetic pull created by the winding.
The kickdown switch is mounted on a bracket secured to a carburetor
mounting stud. It is a mechanical switch containing two sets of
electric-al contacts. One set of contacts is normally open and the other
normally closed. When this switch is actuated by the driver pushing the
accelerator down to the wide open position, the normally-closed contacts
are opened and the normally-open contacts are closed.
Wiring
Control Circuit
Solenoid Circuit
Ground-Out Circuit
There are three separate circuits within the overdrive circuit (fig. 30); (1) control circuit, (2) solenoid circuit, and (3)
ground-out circuit.
Control Circuit
The control circuit includes the relay winding and the electrical
contacts located in the kickdown, and governor switches. Both sets of
contacts must be closed to permit solenoid operation. When this circuit
is completed, the relay becomes energized and the relay contacts close.
As long as both sets of contacts remain closed, the relay contacts
remain closed.
Solenoid Circuit
The solenoid circuit includes the relay contacts and the solenoid windings With the closing of the relay contacts, the solenoid becomes energized and moves the pawl toward the slot in the control plate until blocked from further movement by the blocker ring within the overdrive gear case (fig. 26). The pawl becomes spring-loaded by the final movement of the solenoid plunger which compresses the pawl rod spring. Under these conditions, the blocker ring will slide from under the pawl whenever the driver momentarily lifts his foot off the accelerator. This brief reduction in engine torque allows the pawl to engage the control plate (fig. 26) and the overdrive becomes operative.
As the solenoid plunger completes its movement, it opens a set
of contacts in series with the pull-in winding as already described.
Since the hold-in winding alone is sufficiently strong to maintain the
plunger in the "bottomed" position, the amount of current
drawn by the solenoid thus is reduced during overdrive operation. As the
pawl moves into engagement with the control plate, completion of the
pawl rod travel permits closing of the spring-loaded solenoid contacts
in series with the ground-out circuit. The overdrive system will remain
in operation as long as the solenoid remains energized. The relay opens
and the solenoid is de-energized when the control circuit is broken at
the kickdown, or governor switch.
Ground-Out Circuit
The ground-out circuit (dashed line,
figure 30) is connected in parallel electrically with the
distributor contact points and includes the normally-open contacts
within the kickdown switch, as well as the normally-open solenoid
contacts (connected to the No. 6 terminal of the solenoid) which close
as the overdrive becomes operative. When the kickdown switch is actuated
during overdrive operation, the ignition coil primary winding is
grounded through these two sets of contacts, and the control circuit is
opened at the same time. The momentary grounding of the ignition circuit
causes the engine to miss and, since the overdrive control circuit is
open, allows disengagement of the overdrive. As the overdrive disengages
and the pawl rod retracts, the ground-out circuit is opened within the
solenoid and conventional car operation is resumed.
Maintenance, Care and Adjustments
Governor Switch and Pinion
Sun Gear Solenoid, Oil Seal and Control Cable Bracket
Output Shaft Oil Seal
Control Shaft Lever and Oil Seal
Speedometer Driven Gear
Governor Switch and Pinion
Servicing of the overdrive governor switch and pinion, the sun gear solenoid, oil seal and cable bracket, the output shaft rear oil seal, the control shaft lever, and the speedometer driven gear (fig. 22) may be accomplished without removing the overdrive from the vehicle, as discussed in the following paragraphs:
To remove governor switch, disconnect wires at governor switch and screw governor out of housing, using Tool 4653 on the flat hexagonal surface of governor case. The pinion may be separated from the governor by removing the snap ring on the shaft.
Remove the solenoid by taking out the two mounting bolts and lock
washers, removing the cable bracket with the lower bolt. Turn the
solenoid 1/4 turn and pull solenoid plunger out of adapter. The oil seal
may be pried out of the adapter.
Output Shaft Oil Seal
Removal
Installation
To remove the control shaft oil seal, disconnect the control cable, remove tapered pin and pull lever out. Then pry out oil seal with a sharp punch.
Coat outside of new oil seal with suitable sealant and start seal straight into counterbore in housing. Using a suitable driver having an outside diameter of 15/16", drive seal into place. Insert shaft through seal and install tapered pin. Connect control wire to lever.
Disconnect speedometer cable, remove lock plate to housing bolt and lock washer and remove lock plate. Insert screw driver in lock plate slot in fitting and pry fitting, gear and shaft from housing. Pry "O" ring from groove in guide.
Install new "O" ring in groove in fitting and insert shaft.
Hold the assembly so slot in fitting is toward lock plate boss on housing and install in housing. Push fitting into housing until lock plate can be inserted in groove and attached to housing.
Major Service Operations General Notes
Overdrive Housing
Parts at Rear of Adapter
Major Service Operations General Notes
With the overdrive assembly removed from the transmission, service operations on the transmission proper are the same as for the standard three-speed transmission.
Repairs to the overdrive housing, output shaft, ring gear assembly, clutch cam, roller retainer, pinion cage, sun gear, shift rail, sun gear control plate, output shaft bearing, oil seal, speedometer drive gear, solenoid pawl and interlock plunger may be performed underneath the car by removing the overdrive housing without disturbing the transmission.
If the transmission mainshaft, overdrive adapter or transmission rear bearing which is retained in adapter require replacement, the entire transmission and overdrive assembly should be removed and overhauled on the bench. Fig. 42
NOTE: Due to X-member interference on convertible models,
the transmission and overdrive assembly must be removed.
Overdrive Housing
Removal
Disassembly
Cleaning and Inspection
As each part is removed from the housing assembly, wash in cleaning solvent, dry, and protect from subsequent dirt accumulation.
Inspect housing, shift rail retractor spring, snap rings, gears and bearings for cracks, defects or damage and substitute new parts where necessary.
If clutch rollers show surface markings of any kind they should be replaced.
A general inspection of the overdrive parts remaining on the transmission mainshaft, particularly the clutch cam and roller retainer assembly and the shift rail and fork assembly, should be made at this time.
Assembly
Removal
Cleaning and Inspection
As each part is removed from the rear of the transmission, wash in cleaning solvent, dry, and protect from subsequent dirt accumulation.
Installation
Installation
Lubrication
The transmission and overdrive unit are connected with oil passages so the same oil is used for both. However, the following precautions must be used in the filling, in order that the proper amount of oil may be carried.
Overdrive Relay
Solenoid
Governor Switch
Kickdown Switch
Overdrive Relay
The operation and purpose of this relay is discussed within the write-up on the Overdrive Circuit and its operation. Specifications and checking procedures for this relay are as follows:
Specifications
Air Gap - .011 inch minimum
Point Opening - .025 inch
Closing Voltage - 8.3-10.2 volts
Armature Sealing Voltage -
11.2 volts maximum
Three checks and adjustments are required on the overdrive relay: air gap, point opening and closing voltage. The air gap and contact point opening checks and adjustments should be made with the battery disconnected.
The air gap should not normally require adjustment unless the relay has been misadjusted. Check the air gap with the points barely touching and adjust if necessary by bending the lower point support (fig. 47).
Check the contact point opening and adjust by bending the upper armature stop (fig. 48).
To check the relay closing voltage, connect a potentiometer or variable resistance of sufficient value (not less than 50 ohms) in series with the terminal, connect a voltmeter to the "IGN" and "KD" terminals. With the ignition switch on, slowly decrease the amount of resistance in order to check the relay closing voltage (the overdrive solenoid and relay should click when the relay closes). Adjust the closing voltage by bending the armature spring post (fig. 49). Bend down to increase the closing voltage and bend up to decrease the closing voltage.
To check the sealing voltage, increase the voltage after the
relay closes until the armature seals against the core. Decrease the
sealing voltage by reducing the relay air gap.
Solenoid
Closing Coil
Remove solenoid from transmission, connect a jumper wire between positive terminal of battery and mounting flange of solenoid. Connect a second jumper wire between the battery negative terminal and solenoid terminal No. 4; this should cause the solenoid pawl to move out. If solenoid chatters, Hold-In Coil is defective.
With jumper wire connected as in paragraph above, (solenoid energized, plunger extended) I peace ball end of solenoid against bench. Push down on solenoid. The pawl rod should move in 3/8" under a load of not less than 8 lbs. nor more than 12. Pawl should move out to extended position when load is removed.
Place a test lamp between negative battery terminal and solenoid
terminal No. 6. Lamp should light when this connection is made. Remove
jumper from between negative battery terminal and solenoid terminal No.
4. Pawl rod should snap "in" and test lamp should go out.
Governor Switch
Remove overdrive wire at governor and connect test lamp between
governor overdrive terminal and negative terminal of battery. Drive car
on road or raise on jacks. The lamp should light at a car speed of
between 26 to 30 mph. Upon decreasing speed, the lamp should go out at
between 28 and 23.5 mph. The car speed differential between light "on"
and light "off" should be 2 or 3 mph.
Kickdown Switch
Disconnect wires at kickdown switch and install test harness to kickdown switch but do not connect test harness to overdrive harness.
Mechanical
Electrical
Trouble and Remedies Mechanical
Any one of the following general complaints may be due to non-standard mechanical conditions in the overdrive unit:
These troubles may be diagnosed and remedied as described in the following paragraphs.
Any one of the following general complaints may be due to electrical trouble in the overdrive circuit.
These troubles may be traced and remedied as described in the following paragraphs.
Powerglide Driving General Instructions
Starting the Engine
Pushing Car to Start Engine
Towing a Disabled Car
Powerglide Driving General Instructions
Control of the Powerglide transmission is obtained by positioning a shift control lever mounted at the top of the steering column.
The control lever can be positioned in the following five
positions:
P- Parking
N- Neutral
D- Drive
L- Low
R- Reverse
To make it easy for the driver to find the location of the range desired, the shift control quadrant is marked with the letters, "P," "N," "D," "L," and "R." To shift into parking, or reverse range, it is necessary to raise the shift control lever against a light spring pressure.
When placed in the parking position, the shift control lever engages a parking lever pawl which locks the transmission planet carrier to the transmission case. This parking lock must never be applied when the car is in motion.
Occasionally it may be necessary to rock vehicle slightly in Low or Reverse to enable shift lever to enter Park position.
The neutral position is to be used when the car is standing still with the engine running, or when towing the car. It permits accelerating the engine with no car movement.
In drive position the vehicle is in automatic range. It starts in low range and upshifts and downshifts automatically, depending on the extent to which the accelerator is depressed.
Low range is used only when the "going" is particularly tough, such as in sand or on long steep grades. On long steep grades, low range prevents premature upshifting and a resultant loss of acceleration which would occur if in "D" range. Low range can also be used to obtain additional engine braking when descending steep hills but not above 45 mph.
The shift from "low" to "drive" range or vice versa may be made while the car is in forward motion, but not in excess of 45 mph.
The reverse range is used to move the car in a reverse direction.
CAUTION: It is advisable not to drive at high speeds for
any distance or to use excessive speed when on ice or snow when in this
range for damage to the clutch plates may result.
Starting the Engine
The starter on cars equipped with the Powerglide transmission is so
wired that the starter will not crank unless the shift control lever is
in either "park" or "neutral" position.
Pushing To Start Engine
If it ever becomes necessary to push a car equipped with a Powerglide transmission, the control lever should be left in the "N" position until the car has reached a speed of approximately 25 to 30 mph or speed fast enough as required to start engine, excessive heat in transmission will require more speed. At this speed the turbine is spinning fast enough to turn the converter pump and the rear oil pump has developed sufficient pressure to engage the low band. Then place the control lever in the "L" range.
CAUTION: It is recommended that the car be pushed rather
than to be towed, because when the engine starts, it is apt to
accelerate into the rear end of the towing vehicle.
Towing A Disabled Car
A car equipped with Powerglide transmission must not be towed on its rear wheels except in Neutral (N) and should not be towed in excess of 30 mph. If it is towed with the transmission in any of the driving ranges unnecessary damage to the transmission may result because the rear pump would be in operation and cause partial or full engagement of bands or clutches.
If the car has been damaged in a collision to the extent that the control lever on the steering column cannot be positioned in Neutral (N), it will be necessary to disconnect the long control rod at the idler lever and place the transmission in Neutral (N) as follows:
If for any reason the transmission is locked up the car must
not be towed on its rear wheels or serious damage to the transmission
will result.
Maintenance
Oil Requirements and Oil Level
Draining and Refilling
Oil Requirements and Oil Level
The Powerglide transmission requires an oil known as Automatic Transmission Fluid, "Type A" bearing a "AQ-ATF" number. This oil is available through Chevrolet dealers and oil company filling stations in sealed containers.
The transmission oil level should be checked every 1000 miles. Oil should be added only when the level is below the "FULL" mark on the dip stick with oil hot or at operating temperature. The oil level dip stick is located in the engine compartment on the right side just opposite the starter (fig. 1). On cars equipped with air conditioning unit, check transmission fluid and add oil through filler plug incorporated in side cover of transmission. The lubricant should be level with the bottom of the filler plug hole.
In order to check oil level accurately, the engine should be idled with the transmission oil hot and the control lever in neutral (N) position.
It is important that the oil level be maintained no higher than the "FULL" mark on the transmission oil level gauge. DO NOT OVERFILL, for when the oil level is at the full mark on the dip stick, it is just slightly below the planetary gear unit. If additional oil is added, bringing the oil level above the full mark, the planetary unit will run in the oil, foaming and aerating the oil. This aerated oil carried through the various oil pressure passages (low servo, reverse servo, clutch apply, converter, etc.) may cause malfunction of the transmission assembly, resulting in cavitation noise in the converter and improper application of bands or clutches.
If the transmission is found consistently low on oil, a thorough
inspection should be made to find and correct all external oil leaks.
The mating surfaces of servo cover, governor cover, converter housing,
transmission case, low and drive valve body cover, side cover and
transmission case extension should be carefully examined for signs of
leakage. The transmission case extension rear oil seal should also be
checked. All test plugs should be checked to make sure that they are
tight and that there is no sign of leakage at these points. The plug in
the bottom of the converter housing should also be removed. Any
appreciable quantity of oil draining from this opening would indicate
leakage at the converter cover "O" ring seal, front pump
"O" ring seal, front pump seal or blocked passage in front
pump.
Draining and Refilling
Every 25,000 miles the transmission should be drained and refilled. The transmission should be warmed up before draining. Draining is accomplished as follows:
CAUTION: Oil must be hot when making this oil level
check.
The Powerglide transmission requires three service adjustments; a
simple positive linkage adjustment, neutral safety switch adjustment,
and a throttle valve linkage adjustment.
All cars equipped with Powerglide Transmission are provided with a
neutral safety switch which prevents operation of the starting motor
except when the transmission is in Neutral (N) or Park (P) positions.
This switch is a safety feature installed for the purpose of preventing
car motion when starting the engine. It is mounted on the steering gear
mast jacket between the dash and instrument panel. It is important,
therefore, that this switch be maintained in proper adjustment.
Adjustment
NOTE: The slot in the neutral safety switch must be set on
the center line of the tang on the shifter tube.
If, after the switch is so positioned, the engine will not turn
over, loosen the screws and rotate the switch in the direction necessary
until it does. Be sure the selector lever is in the neutral position
when performing this operation.
A throttle valve linkage adjustment is required to maintain correct
relationship between the accelerator pedal, carburetor and throttle
valve in the low drive valve body. The transmission throttle valve is
connected through linkage to the carburetor and the accelerator pedal.
Throttle valve pressure is, therefore, variable and dependent on
carburetor throttle opening. Adjustment of throttle linkage is important
to maintain correct pressure relationship in the transmission which
controls the transmission shift range particularly on light throttle
upshifts. Adjustment of the throttle valve linkage should be
accomplished as follows:
Service Adjustments
Positive Linkage Adjustment
Neutral Safety Switch and Adjustment
Throttle Valve Linkage Adjustment
Positive Linkage Adjustment
Positive Linkage Adjustment
Neutral Safety Switch and Adjustment
Throttle Valve Linkage Adjustment
see fig. 3