Hey all. This was the first weekend of cruising weather with the new to me 442. Had some work done to it over the winter but nothing major with regards to the engine. Took her out yesterday for a quick ride around town mostly residential and top speed of 45. All seemed to be great. Went to take the family out today and upon startup noticed a strong gas odor. Rpm slightly higher than usual when warmed up. Shifted in and out of reverse and drive and neutral without issue but would not shift out of first while driving. RPMs topped out at 3000 ish. Didn't go far before coming home. Any initial thoughts?
Kurt

 

Modulator went.

Hole in diaphragm leads to modulator signaling full throttle all the time, and vacuum leak, which raises idle RPM.

Change your modulator.

- Eric

 

I would also pull the governor and check to make sure the weights weren't stuck.

 

Probably the rubber hose to the modulator either the connection to the metal tube on the engine side or the at the transmission. The higher rpm is a symptom of a vacuum leak created. If not the hose, then possibly the modulator itself as Eric suggested or the governor as suggested by Hairy Olds.

 

The reason I went right for the modulator was the "rich" smell, which could be burning ATF (sorry, I didn't mention that above), and the overall timing of the failure, after a first run after being stored a while - a hose probably won't just develop a leak like that, but a diaphragm can sit for many years, then fail suddenly the next time it's subjected to vacuum.
But, yes, of course, you should do all of the proper troubleshooting before putting down your hard earned money.

- Eric

 

Also, unusual white smoke in the exhaust, also due to ATF getting sucked into the engine and burned? This was a symptom I had on a '64 Jetstar some years ago. New modulator cured it.

 

Ok. Helpful input so far thanks
Will keep you posted
Kurt

 

Quick question
Thought on ok or not to drive from point A to point B apprx. 8 miles stop and start 35 mile max speed.
Kurt

 

I would lay under the car and do a quick check of the vacuum line to the modulator and the modulator itself. Check the vacuum hose for cracks and/or transmission fluid inside. Modulators are easy to change, take about 10 mins.


Then of you can't figure it out then make the slow trip to a mechanic while watching your temps.

 

+1.

Won't hurt to drive it, but it's so easy to fix it.

- Eric

 

Update. Two minor unrelated issues. Choke needed adjusting and kickdown switch was loose and shifted and was stuck in position. All hoses are intact. Thanks for the feedback

 

So much for initial thoughts.

- Eric

 

X2-

 

All the feedback was very helpful and appreciated! Thankfully the solution was a simple one but the other possibilities offered up helped with my education.
Kurt