Have a question on how the hydramatic shifts. This unit was overhauled 9000 miles ago and shifts as follows- from first to second shifts smooth, from second to third it shifts with a noticable sift and the last is smooth. My question is, is this a normal shift mode to feel the second shift or do I have a problem? An answer would be appreciated.

 

welcome to classic olds I am shure someone will have the answer soon.

 

Most of those old HydraMatics had very pronounced shifts thruout their ranges. That's the claimed reason Buick would not use it, because it was "jerky", though I've always believed it was because the HydraMatic was not designed and built in Flint. Hey, it was good enough for Cadillac...

I have ridden in both 41 and 42 HydraMatic-equipped Oldsmobiles and can vouch for being able to feel the shifts.

Now if it's shifting hard enough to jerk the whole car, you may have a problem.

 

welcome to CO.

 

Had one in my 57 as you stated the shift from 1st to 2nd was hardly soft and the shift from 2 to third was hard. Every one I have talked to says the same thing about these trannys. I just learned to live with it never had a problem.

 

Is there a TV adjustment on cars that early? I am not sure if there is or not. If so, if this is out of adjustment it could cause erratic shifting. I've also heard that the early transmissions have odd shifting habits.