Adjusting hydramatic bands

[Guest]

Hi,<P>I have just installed a rebuilt engine and hydramatic in a 1950 Caddy. I have been able to adjust the rear band to give reverse but I'm having trouble adjusting the front. When in reverse the car struggles and jurks and sometimes jumps out of reverse. I can only get the car to creep forward in drive or low.<BR>Is there a method for adjusting the bands or could there be a problem with the rebuilt box?<P>Chears in advance for any help<BR>CrestaMan

[steve@autorest.com]

If you have had your trans rebuilt by a reputable serviceman or shop familiar with <BR>Hydromatics you should not be attempting to adjust the bands yourself. It requires special tools and experience. As ridiculous as it might sound, the problem probably is the linkage adjustment. Not only is the gear selector important in its adjustment, but the throttle linkage to the transmission is very important and sensitive in its adjustment. It too, requires a special tool or gauge to set properly, and if it isn't, the trans will just not shift. I have done several of these cars and I tend to think that this is your problem. The procedure is 2 pages long in the National Service Data book, which is the Bible for technical service. If you don't have access to this, you can email me and I will copy it and get it to you. Good luck, Steve.

[Guest]

The box was rebuilt by without the help of the internal adjustment tools as these are not available in the UK. Hence the need to adjust them insitu. I would be very gratefull if you can email me the instructions as the shop manual I have is very basic.<P>Regards<BR>CrestaMan

[ronbarn]

CrestaMan - Keep us posted on how things work out with the tranny adjustment. More and more some of us live in areas where the expertise and documentation for adjusting and rebuilding these early automatics is becoming a problem. While you are at it, we would like for you to register on the DF so we can keep up with progress. Thanx.

[steve@autorest.com]

CrestaMan, Complete instructions as to making the band adjusments, testing the trans, and the linkage adjustments have been sent via snail mail. Good luck. Steve

[Guest]

I have adjusted the linkage and added a further two pints of oil(that's the 4th top up and the box don't leak). The box now slows the engine from fastish idle to very slow idle when the hand brake is applied (on axle stands of course). The reverse has got smoother but she will only creap in drive and actually slows when I put my foot down!!!!<BR>To get running for summer I will try to find work shop who have experiance with these old Hydramatics.<P>the new engine has developed a noisy valve what is the best way to cure it considering it has only run at idle for about 2-3 hours.<P>As for the offer to register with the DF<BR>Yes Please!!!! :-)

[Guest]

Hi all,<P>I have now got my hydra box working. I found a specialist here in the UK who done an excellent (but pricey) job. When I put the box back together myself one of the thust bearing dropped and caused a the drums to bind. The total cost has been £2500 ($4000) instead of say £6-800. So if any one out there is thinking of doing their own auto box repairs - DON'T......<P>CrestaMan<P>PS Many Many Thanks to Steve who posted the manaul pages to me...