Need help with Hydra-Matic in my Lincoln

I have searched with no luck...Decided to ring out my 54 Lincoln today and on the way to work, I seem to only have 1st and 2nd gear..did not go over 55 and the motor was working its *** off. Any ideas on where I should start look to solve this problem. Does not shift into 3rd or 4th. I found some old troubleshooting manuals online but they are a bit confusing! Thanks

 

The first thing I would suggest is to check your transmission fluid level with the engine running. Make sure it's topped off to the fill line on your dipstick.

Then check your linkage from the motor to the transmission. The kickdown lever might be loose and not telling the transmission to shift into 3rd or 4th, or the linkage might be binding and restricting.

Also check the linkage from your gear selector to make sure that when you put it into 'Drive', the selector on the transmission is in the right position.

I'd look into those before going any further.

 

Fluid level is good..I will check the linkage from motor to ****** and the linkage from gear selector today..appreciate the help..I will let you know what i do or do not find.

 

Stuck rear clutch or G2 spring in governor is stuck. Those control 3 and 4th gear. Other possibility is stuck in LO range, but then you wouldn't have 1st, as these Lincolns start in 2nd when in LO range. Try both drive ranges first and see if it will upshift to 3rd.

 

Pulled it all apart...not able to tell if linkages are good or not as there are no refrence marks??? Screen was quite dirty. Fluid fairly dirty as well...How do I check rear clutch and g2 spring??

 

Ok throttle linkage I played with a bit changed the shift points but I am still not getting my top gear??? Any help?

 

You can check the governor and the spring by removing the side cover. The governor will be toward the back, near the parking pawl. You will need to remove the valve body first though, after removing the side cover.

Also to check the rear clutch, the best way (while the valve body is off) is to find the rear clutch apply port and apply compressed air and listen for a clunk.