Hi Guys and Gals! Now that our engine starting problem is solved, the next bump in the road has reared it's ugly head. No reverse in the trans. The two speed pushbutton-controlled Powerflite has "low" and "drive" and (at the moment) two neutrals - one where "reverse" is supposed to be. Fluid is topped up, cable control into trans and throttle linkage are adjusted as per the factory shop manual we have. I pulled the dashboard control console faceplate off and all the buttons seem to be engaging their respective control levers fine. One odd quirk: Sometimes when the engine is idling in neutral and is shut off, the reverse button has to be used or it won't restart. After this is done, the neutral button can be selected and all is well again. I did have the trans out to replace a worn-out ring gear but only removed the drain pan to replace a leaking gasket and give everything inside a quick visual check as the trans performed well when the car was on the road before all the work on it started. Any thoughts from you Powerflite gurus out there? Would it be an idea to check the cable control at the dashboard end further or do you think it is an internal problem? Many thanks in advance! Regards, Dave.
Check your linkage first to see if the cable is actually moving the internal parts. You will need to remove the pan to do this. If that looks ok, then the Reverse band and servo piston would be next. These can be checked by air applied to the various ports after the valve body is removed.
My dad bought a 55 windsor from uncle Joe once, same problem. Henry Motor co in East Point Ga fixed it for 20 bucks! I remember the word linkage being used. A great double date car!
Thanks d2_willys! I was hoping I wouldn't have to pull the pan but hey, 'ya gotta do whatcha gotta do! Thanks for your tips! Regards, Dave.
Thanks for your reply flamin01a! And with regard to the "double date" car, when I first brought the car home, my daughter took a look in the back seat and said, "Now I know why you guys liked 50's cars!".
If I remember right in powerflites the cable shifter just moves a lever on the outside of the trans. check what the lever is doing when each button is pushed.
I don't believe the cable moves an outside lever. I have a spare Powerflite from a 56 Chrysler and it goes right into the case
Thanks for your replies guys! And yes, you are right d2_willys, the cable goes into the case. I am scratching my head to try and figure out how one cable can run four different functions! Guess that's why I didn't become an automotive engineer! Regards, Dave.
The cable moves fore and aft by each button. Each button pushes the cable a little bit to the next range and vice versa. The internal lever moves the valve body manual valve. This lever on most transmissions is on the outside of the case.
Aha! Thank you sir! That makes sense! According to the manual, you have to have the "low" button pushed when installing the cable in the trans. I wonder if my cable adjustment is slightly off although I did recheck it with the low button engaged. I will check the linkage at the dashboard end and then get into the internals. The manual doesn't mention the use of air to check reverse functions but perhaps it will be evident which ports to check when I take it apart. Many thanks! Regards, Dave.
There are 4 ports on the servo side it is the back one On an internet site they talked about reverse band breakage.
Working on a A944 small torqueflite, I noticed that there is a wheel where the cable enters the transmission case. This, I believe is a fine adjust for the cable. Don't remember PF's having this, but it might. Seems to me that I did read something about the Reverse band linkage breaking from time to time. If that was the case, no Reverse
Thanks for the added info sunbeam and d2! The weather here has been lousy and the car is outside. Hopefully things will dry out and I can fly at it soon! Regards, Dave.
Time for an update: Like the old "Lovin' Spoonful" song says, "Do you believe in magic?" Well, yes, I guess I do now! Yesterday I started the old boy up and just for shits and giggles, I gave the "Reverse" button a good quick jab and BINGO!, it actually kicked in!!! HOLY SHIT!!! Down on the gas and backward we went!! Hit "Low" and moved ahead! Repeated this several times and it responded each time! YEEEHAW!!! There were a couple of times when the shift didn't kick in as quick as the others but I'm wondering if the cable adjustment at the trans end is off just a fraction or maybe it's just the long period of sitting that was to blame. As crazy as it may sound, the only thing I did different this time was to give the button a good, quick jab whereas before I just gave it a slow push in. Whichever, SHE WORKS!!! Many thanks to everyone who responded with your tips and support! DA HAMB ROCKS!!! Regards, Dave.
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