Bad Tranny or what/ TH350?

[Pghstarsky]

I have a 72 cutlass with the 350 and hydramatic 350 tranny column shift, and my problem is that I can feel it go into gear (you know, a little jerk foward or back) but then when I hit the accelerator nothing happens. but it will idle forward and reverse. It's so weird, anyway, thanks for your help.
Sam

[crazy'boutOlds]

Maybe a torque convertor problem? I had a mustang do that. Just a thought.

[Pghstarsky]

I was thinking that too, but doesn't it take a hell of a lot to mess up a torque converter?

[crazy'boutOlds]

I was power braking in front od work when mine blew. Another thought, did you check your fluid level? Not trying to be a smart@@$.

[Pghstarsky]

I haven't checked the fluid level with the engine hot, but cold it's only a half a quart off full, if that...would checking it warm make that much of a difference?

[crazy'boutOlds]

I believe you're supposed to check it warm.

[Pghstarsky]

Yeah, you're correct there. I should check it warm, so i guess I'll do that tomorrow, I actually hope it is just me being an idiot, a quart or two of tranny fluid is cheaper than a new torque converter.

[crazy'boutOlds]

Well, if it is the torque convertor, I have two th350 just sitting here. Maybe a deal could be struck.

[Pghstarsky]

Yeah, how far is youngstown from pittsburgh anyway? If my memory serves me correct it's only about an hour or so away.

[crazy'boutOlds]

That's about right.

[Pghstarsky]

Dry as a piece of toast, tomorrow I will fill her up and see what happens.

[crazy'boutOlds]

Originally Posted by Pghstarsky

Yeah, you're correct there. I should check it warm, so i guess I'll do that tomorrow, I actually hope it is just me being an idiot, a quart or two of tranny fluid is cheaper than a new torque converter.

See, It's all about checking your fluids. Good for you. Let us know how it turns outs.

[Pghstarsky]

Yeah, and in a related note, when I got the engine hot enough to check the tranny fluid, I noticed that the fan wasn't moving...and then sure enough the rad cap let loose. After I shut the engine off I found out that the fan is hitting the fan shroud and was stuck. So, I'll fix that tomorrow and hopefully my fan clutch isn't ruined. Oh well, just one thing after another.

[crazy'boutOlds]

That's usually the way it goes. I experience the same stuff with my Holiday 88. I just parked it. That way, nothing can break!

[Pghstarsky]

Alright, I got the fan shroud off and the fan is still working somehow. I then put 2 quarts or so of tranny fluid in and wow, it seems like the problem is 100% fixed. I need to fix the brakes, then I'll know if the tranny is in good working order or not. Thanks.