I'm new to Oldsmobiles so I might as well ask You guys this: I have a 63 Dynamic 88 conv, 394/hydra-matic. I didn't notice this a first but I started counting upshifts and it seems the trans skipps second gear. Starts in 1st then jumps to 3rd and finally into 4th. It's drivable and doesn't slip but something is not right. What could be the problem?
Matt

 

Matt, you might just be mistaking the odd shifting patter of the Slim Jim Rotohydramatic for missing a gear. I believe, these transmissions don't generally shift into second until 25-35 mph.

If you use our search function and type in "Slim Jim" you will find alot of information about them. They are sort of notorious for being weak transmissions. If your manual TV linkage is set right and you are still having trouble with the transmission then it might need to be rebuilt. However, I can't stress how important the TV linkage adjustment is to the operation of this transmission. Good luck.

 

IIRC, the torque multiplier has something to do with the 1st and 2nd gears. To me it sounds like the transmission is staying in the 1st gear operation of the torque multiplier (Torque multiplication stage). Trying to recall if there is a clutch in the multiplier that actually performs a psuedo shift to 2nd (Non torque multiplication). I believe the 1st and 2nd gears use the same gear reduction, with only difference being the torque multiplication. The 3rd and 4th gears are done through other clutches in the transmission and would not be affected by the torque multiplier not operating correctly.

I am sure others will chime in on this subject.

 

It's a 3 speed tranny.
Pat

 

Roto 10's (Slim Jims) are really known as a 4 speed, with the 1st gear using the torque multiplier. 2nd, 3rd, and 4th do not use the torque multiplier.