Transmission shifting

[John Mey]

I may have this sorted out by the time I get a response, but i thought I'd throw it out there anyway. I just got my 77 440 Clipper back from my mechanic and now the tranny is acting weird. It was fine when I dropped it off and he says they didnt change anything on it but Im suspicious. The only way I can get it to shift from 2nd to 3rd gear is by going to nuteral and then back into drive when Im at speed. Otherwise it stays in 2nd. Hmmm.... Any thoughts?   Ranger.

[Tyler Hoodenpyle]

I'm no expert in the A-727 but I would by first consulting a repair manual, check that the fluid is at the right level after the engine temperature gauge indicates a normal warmed-up condition and the trans fluid is heated up to normal operating temp. Check the level while idling and the trans in "N".  Make sure the Clipper is level. Should be at full mark but never above.  If is above, the fluid will aerate. It is possible if the mechanic adjusted the carb that the throttle rod or kick-down rod got out of adjustment.  This is a very important adjustment on Chrysler auto trans.  By the way, consider a trans fluid temp gauge...a very useful instrument that should be added.  Next check that the gearshift control linkage is adjusted right.  That's all that comes to mind so far, good luck!    
ACOC 3441

[Tyler Hoodenpyle]

...by the way if you add a temp guage, install the sending unit in the pan.  This will measure the temp after the fluid passes through the cooler and the lubrication circuit of the trans.  Temp should be between 180 and 200 degrees F. Adding to the shift linkage adjustment, I have experienced the problem of actually having the unit in two ranges at once it wreaks havoc on the characteristics of the trans.  Remember, too much fluid is like having too little fluid these conditions cause air bubbles which will cause overheating, burnt fluid, varnish and foam.  Keep on truckin'!

[handyman]

You didn't say what you took it in for but heres another item to check see if the vacume line from the carb to the vacume pot on the transmisson is hooked up or leaking,     the vacume pot also could be going out pull off the hose and see if you have fluid comeing out if you do change it make sure to put a pan under it you will get fluid out

[mollerus]

Tyler,  How did you install your transmission temperature gauge in the pan? Did you have to drop the pan?  Are fittings available to braze to the pan? I was told I would have to cut into the hose going to the cooler and I didn't like the idea of hose clamps and vibration in that all important line. I am very interested in the pan installation technique.  I think a lot of transmission burn outs might be avoided  by monitoring the transmission temperature on long uphill climbs, expecially (God forbid) if towing  a tag car or trailer.

[John Mey]

Jim Foster,  Thanks for the reply. I am not familiar with what the "Vacum Pot" is on the transmission. Is this something that is right on the tranny, or nex to it? How do I identify it? I want to check those vacum hoses. I looked around but I couldnt identify it. What side of tranny would it be on? I have a 1977 Dodge with 440.    Ranger.

[handyman]

Ranger I might have given you some bum dope I was thinking of my other motor home I had I just look in my shop manual and it dosent show a vacume pot sorry but if you give me your email Ill copy the diagnosis chart it can tell you what can cause any trouble in the trans  

[John Mey]

Jim.... my email is jsmeyr@comcast.net
Well, I dunno. It seems like it must be something they did when it was in the shop. They did mess with the adjustment on the kickdown rod when it was in there, and it seems like that thing must be the problem, but I have tried different adjustments on that since, and just  cant get it to shift out of 2nd no matter what I try. The shop says they left it back where it was when I brought it in. I'm sure I'm missing somethin, but just havent hit on it yet.

[handyman]

Ill send you the intructions on how to adjust the linkages but if it worked ok then and they messed with it Id be on them Id diffently look for a new shop if they pull that crap

[mollerus]

Ranger:  Here is a far out but possible cause.  I had a local grease monkey check the transmission level while I was having some other work done.  When I picked up my Clipper he said that he had to take some trans. fluid out because it was way over filled. I had a hard time believing that so I checked it myself before I left his shop and as I suspected it was now very low--- clear off the dipper stick!  A lot of "mechanics" don't know that unlike other brands, Chrysler automatic transmissions must be checked in neutral, not the park position.  Checking it in park gives a false high reading on the dip stick. Unlike Ford and GM, the fluid pump in MOPAR transmissions does not pump while in the park position.  That is why some clipper owners have reported that their rigs were slow to start up just out of the park position, while there were no problems starting up from neutral or in gear.  Another reason not to idle for long periods in park in stop and go traffic.  Equally bad is an overfilled transmission because frothing causes air to get into the pump resulting in erratic shifting.  Check and see if you are OK on the trans. level.  Your problems may not be in the vacuum system or the step down linkage.

[John Mey]

Hooray!...Problem solved!    Turns out that the problem was indeed in the step-down linkage rod coming off the after market carburator. I checked that out myself but didnt see anything amiss with it, but aparently it was rubbing on the exhaust manifold. Thus, it was affecting when the tranny would shift into each gear. I was told when I purchased the Clipper that it had a shift kit and to expext somewhat hard shifting, so I wasnt alarmed when it shifted somewhat hard from second into third. But as i stated previously it wouldnt shift into third gear at all after I got it back from mechanic. Aparently they caused the rubbing problem to increase slightly without knowing it. It took a transmission shop to find the culprit and a easy fix. I had the tranny serviced at the same time. It shifts perfectly now, even much better than when I purchased it. So, if any of you have similar problem with your tranny not shifting at the proper time, check to make sure the step down linkage rod coming off the carburator to the tranny is not rubbing on any part of the exhaust manifold or heat shield. Thanks for all your input.   Ranger.