Hydromatic linkage adjustments

[aristellier]

Hi all, I,m new moving over from Mopar. I have a question about the transmission on my '63 Dynamic 88. The transmission is a Hydromatic 4 speed and seems to hold 1st and then short shifts to 3rd. Coming to a stop the transmission seems to hold 2nd to the point of almost stopping before dropping back to first. I know the linkage from the 2 barrel carb has been played with as there are extra springs added to pull the linkage back. What I want to know is how to set up the T.V. rod and linkage to the carb. Thanks in advance for your help

[Oldsfan]

Ah, an new Slim Jim fan.

You know, Oldsmobile would like you think that this thing is a 4 speed (well, actually, they don't really care since they don't exist anymore), but it is really only a 3 speed. The confusion comes because there are 4 stages, but only 3 speeds. First gear has two stages. When you pull from a dead stop, the torque multiplier will be engaged for the first few feet of travel to get you off the line, then it will disengage, but you will never feel that. Then, it'll shift to 2nd, and then to 3rd. So, if you're only shifting twice, then you're good.

Now, that downshifting before a stop. Nature of the beast. Designed that way. Don't know why. Whoever thought that was a good idea should be dug up and shot. My '62 is designed to downshift to 1st at 7 miles per hour. Not really handy for driving in stop and go traffic.

Most anybody with a Slim Jim will tell you they're junk. They never were a good transmission. Even when they are working properly, they don't work real good. Can't hold a candle to the Dual Range HydraMatic that it replaced. Pontiac was smart - they kept the Dual Range for their Bonnevilles and only put the Slim Jims in the Catalina, Star Chiefs and Grand Prixs. Olds should have been so smart.

Now, all that being said, fluid level and linkage adjustment are crucial to getting the most out of your Slim Jim. And the car need to be running right. You need to find yourself a shop manual so you can properly adjust the linkage. These show up on eBay regularly. May not be cheap, but a good investment.

Welcome to the world of Slim Jims.

Paul

[aristellier]

Got the service manual now and sorted it all out. The T.V. arm linkage was siezed so the T.V. was stuck half open. Drives lovely now. Thanks for your help.

[Oldsguy]

Gosh I am glad I don't have one of those in any of my cars. (shudder).