41 olds transmission

Robert Kiedrowski · September 21st, 2009, 12:19 PM

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.

delmontcrusier · September 21st, 2009, 12:28 PM

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

rocketraider · September 21st, 2009, 02:01 PM

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.

Oldsguy · September 21st, 2009, 02:58 PM

welcome to CO.

citcapp · September 21st, 2009, 04:08 PM

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.

Olds64 · September 21st, 2009, 04:43 PM

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.

Robert Kiedrowski · September 21st, 2009, 05:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Olds64

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.

September 21st, 2009, 12:19 PM	#1 (permalink)
Robert Kiedrowski rkiddo41olds Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Englewood, Fl Posts: 6	41 olds transmission 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.

September 21st, 2009, 02:01 PM	#3 (permalink)
rocketraider Oldsdruid Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Danville Vajenya, the Last Capital of Dixie Posts: 1,214	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. __________________ I know absolutely nothing about Oldsmobiles. Just ask the owner of Oldspower.com Last edited by rocketraider; September 21st, 2009 at 05:08 PM..

September 21st, 2009, 02:58 PM	#4 (permalink)
Oldsguy Hot Rodder at heart Administrator Join Date: May 2004 Location: Lees Summit MO Posts: 5,360	welcome to CO. __________________ Dan '77 Cutlass Supreme '46 2 door "The rocket 455.....it's a sledgehammer approach to a thumbtack world" LuxBlue of HAMB.

September 21st, 2009, 04:08 PM	#5 (permalink)
citcapp Super Moderator Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Bothell, WA Posts: 3,455	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. __________________ Pat 1957 Super 88 with a 455 1948 2dr series 76 with a 455

September 21st, 2009, 04:43 PM	#6 (permalink)
Olds64 Landyacht Club President Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Lawton, OK Posts: 4,286	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. __________________ Ferris, my father loves this car more than life itself... Apparently, you don't understand! Ferris, he never drives it! He just rubs it with a diaper! Cameron Frye Ferris Bueller's Day Off 1986

September 21st, 2009, 12:28 PM	#2 (permalink)
delmontcrusier 67 heavy metal Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: NY Posts: 345	welcome to classic olds I am shure someone will have the answer soon.

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