Just curious to hear some others thoughts on the issue while I work on tying up some other loose ends around the vehicle.


The vehicle is a 68 Cutlass cruiser, worn out 350, 2-speed Jetaway transmission. It fires right up and runs, but putting it into gear causes the engine to lug down and die. It will free rev and roll in neutral just fine, parking pawl works fine. It appears to have plenty of clean fluid in it, though if it were down on fluid I would just expect it to slip.


I haven't had too much time to poke around the drivetrain yet, but I know the 350 is down on power due to worn rings (lots of smoke) from the get-go. But I'm wondering if the transmission is junk as well, and if so is it the converter or transmission itself? I have no experience with the Jetaway, or knowledge of it's common failures so anything is helpful.


Either way I'm not terribly worried since it came with a 455, TH400, and TH350 so if push comes to shove I have replacements. I'd just like to get it sorted out before I go to swap everything over so I can avoid doing things twice.


Thanks.

 

It could be just that your tune settings are wrong.

 

That very well could be. I haven't even had a timing light on it yet, and it's very clear it hasn't had the most dedicated (or competent) previous owners. Just as an anecdote they complained the back window was busted. Turns out the glue holding the bottom track of the window glass just dried out and separated. Everything was still there. Set it back right and it works perfectly.


I'll have to look into it some more when I get the time. Still need to sort out some wheel locks and brakes before then.

 

I agree, the engine could run but not have any power if timing is wrong. Selecting a gear could cause it to stall.

 

I'm more incline to say the converter is going bad. If so my opinion is to put a T-350 in it's place.

Gene

 

Is there any possibility someone has put a Switch Pitch Jetaway in there and it's stuck in wrong converter angle?


If you have the extra engine and transmissions and are going to use them, I wouldn't worry about the 350/Jetaway too much.

 

Aren't all the 2-spd Jetaways Switch Pitch? Maybe the converter was replaced with an incorrect type.

Out of tune is a good likelihood, since it has not been checked.

set timing with dist'r vacuum disconnected, then connect dist'r can to manifold vac, see if that works better. Might have to adjust the idle back down a bit.

 

Not the 68's...