I bought a 62 Starfire last year that had been parked in a garage for over 30 years. Got it running, but it will only go in a forward gear. The floor shifter position does not seem to make any difference as the car will move in park, reverse and everywhere in between! It will only start in P and N, so that part does function. Also, I do not feel any detents for the various positions when I move the shifter. The park pawl is not engaged when the car is in park, as it will also move there. Any ideas? I did look at the linkage and the shaft into the transmission is moving.

 

Have you looked at the transmission fluid? Check the level, look and smell.

They symptoms you describe sound as thought the shifter itself is not connected. Since you say that is not so, than nothing is taking place internally. The tranny fluid is what makes it all happen internally. That is why it needs to be checked.

 

Fluid has been changed and is to the proper level. I think I may have a disconnected manual lever(in the case) or a problem with the manual valve.

 

I go with your "disconnected manual lever (in the case)" diagnosis.

 

Is the manual lever visible when the transm. oil pan is removed? As I said before, the linkage and manual shaft move when the shifter is moved. I do not feel any detents when the shifter is moved, there is no lock up in the park position, so the pawl must not be engaging. Also, it is stuck in a forward gear. The car will move, but only forward.

 

I cannot begin to answer your questions. You need a FSM with detailed diagrams.

Is there a FATSCO trans place near you? They, supposedly, are conversant with hydramatics.