I just rebuilt a 1950 Cadillac Hydramatic transmission and I'm encountering a problem.
The transmission received new discs, seals ,rings ...
It up shifts or down shifts well ,but the shifting from 2nd to 3 rd is really harsh and extremely noisy. The noise is particularly loud when the accelerator pedal is released to leave the transmission shifts in 3rd. This noise sounds like if someone was hammering the chassis.
Does anybody ever encounter such a problem?
Thanks.
Raphael

Raphael
I wonder if you have a problem with a piston spring. There is a piston set up on later hydromatics, the tension of which determines how quickly hydraulic pressure moves the piston, I think this is to do with the low band though. There may be a similar set up in yours.

I have owned 2 1950 Cadillacs in the past, and put about 10,000 miles total between the two cars. A few points:

1. There is a rod from the carb that goes down to the transmission. This rod can be adjusted. Where you adjust it will affect how it shifts. There's no exact science to it, you'll have to re adjust it several times to get it where you want it.

2. The transmission will not shift the same if you drive with a heavy foot versus if you drive with a light foot. So when you're adjusting the rod, make sure you're driving it the same way each time.

3. There is a band in the transmission for the 2nd to 3rd shift that can be adjusted. Get a hydramatic manual & it will tell you how. I believe you'll need a special tool to do it. My 1950 sedan had the exact same symptoms your car did & it had a rebuilt transmission. The 2nd to 3rd band was out of adjustment. You may want someone experienced in this to adjust it for you. It shouldn't cost you much, it's more time than anything.