I have a 62 dynamic with the original hydramatic transmission in it. I'm sure it has been rebuilt but not 100%. The issue I'm having is that when it shifts out of first gear I have to get the speed of the car up to around 28 to 32 mph. And it shifts hard when once it shifts. It sounds like it is really straining to shift. Is this a normal range and shift pattern? Could it be the wrong type of oil in the tranny? The reason I ask is that when i bought the car, the guy told me he ran synthetic oil in the engine. He also said he had a small leak he couldn't find on the engine. A member, Dave Yaros, told me these older cars run better on plain old dino oil. So, I change the oil and voila!, no more leak. Wonder if the transmission might have the same issue?

Thanks for any help I can get!

 

What you are discribeing sounds about right for a "slim jim " trans .
They have a very low 1st gear . There is a long "jump" into second which is a solid lock up.
The proper oil for them nowadays Dexron III / Mercon .

When was the filter and fluid changed last ?
If you don't know , then now is a good time to do it .
Should be done every 30,000 miles or 5 years.
Fatsco has trans filters for model 10's

http://www.fatsco.net/

 

Thanks for the info. I will change the oil and filter ASAP. I went to Fatsco site and all they had for the 1962 was a Jetway? transmission. The parts for the hydramatic were from 47 - 56? I think. Is it also know as a Jetway? Thanks

 

No, you have a Roto 10 (roto-hydramatic) or known as Slimjim. It is not a Jetaway! Olds stopped using the Jetaway in 1960.

 

The 1-2 shift is unique on the roto since there is a massive ratio change but it shouldn't be "hard" and the shift point should not be that high under part throttle. Filter and fluid are definite first step, Fatsco does carry the right filter. You may also need to adjust the linkage but do some research before you start. Good luck.

 

My 62 Starfire shifts hard now since the last mechanic adjusted the "tv" adjustment linkage, before it would not downshift to the passing gear at 45 mph, now it does but with that comes that it doesn't want to go back to first gear at a stop light or stop sign, engine sometimes stalls and brakes feel like they don't have any vacuume? What is cure? The way it is now it's almost not safe to drive and not driveable.

 

Thanks D2. And all of the other guys! I just ordered my gasket and filter from fatsco. I really appreciate the help, everyone! I'll let ya'll know how it turns out.

 

My suggestion ;
Get a 1961 Oldsmobile Shop Manual with a '62 supplement .
Take it to your mechanic , and ask him to adjust the TV and throttle linkages , according to the book .
If he balks , find another mechanic .