Hi, I'm looking for some help with some problems I'm having with my 1970
W30 transmission. Trans. shifts EXTREMLY hard into 2nd , and there seems to be a "dead spot" in between 2nd and 1st during the downshift
were it kinda of "free wheels" before going into the lower gear. I have
been told that I need a new torque converter. I know it's hard to
diagnose a problem without actually experiencing it but any ideas would
be appreciated. Also, on the vacuum control vlave there is an adjustment,
does anyone know what the base setting is ? I cannot find anything in the
manual concerning this.
Thanks
Bill

 

Check your vacuum modulator and the vacuum line going from your carburator to the modulator. It sounds like the line is leaking or the modulator is shot. Tne modulator is located on the transmission

 

Agreed: check for a vacuum leak, typically in the short rubber hose which attaches the hard line to the vacuum modulator. A leak makes the transmission think that you've pushing the gas pedal harder than you are.

The vacuum modulator is not intended to be adjusted. The screw is there for initial calibration. If you ever want to change the RPM at which WOT upshifts occur, you need to change weights on the govenor. The vacuum modulator is for part-throttle shifts, not WOT.