Technical 1955 Cadillac dual-range hydramatic problems

Just got the old girl running, went through the engine and transmission. New clutches, re-used the bands, they were OK, all new seals and rings. The problem, when driving in either drive range, when it shifts to 2nd, it drags the engine down and slows the car down, almost like it's trying to shift into reverse. If I let off the gas, it will drop back into low and be ok until I accelerate, then it does it again. I could really use some help here. My manual doesn't cover an issue like this. Does it sound like band adjustment, plugged valve body or p***age, or should I just give up and put in a 350 with an adaptor? I'm open to any help anyone could give me.

 

Sounds like maybe a band is to tight.

 

I wondered about that. Front or rear, would you think?

 

Not sure

 

I'd say front band. Both bands are 'ON' for 1st, front lets off for 2nd, then front on, rear off for 3rd, both off for 4th. Given that, I'd look at the front band, though it would seem reasonable that a problem would also be felt going into 4th, though possibly much less owing to greater speed.

Cosmo

 

!st gear both bands applied clutchs off. Second gear front band off clutch on rear band on clutch off. cense the change was the front unit check the front band adjustment.

 

Thanks for the help. Band adjustment on these is pretty fiddly anyway, and I don't have the right tools for it. Is there an inch pound spec, or do you suggest using the method in the manual?

 

The method in the manual I have suggests use of a gauge, yet shows no picture. And the external method is not recommended for 54-55 Cadillac.

Cosmo

 

Not sure what other method there would be? The adjustment screws are both on the left side of the case, and there is an access plate.

 

You need to have the proper tools to dial these in correctly. You can rent the tools you need from http://www.autotran.us or find them on ebay.

 

There's a lot of knowledge and reference material on Hydro's here: http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/social-forums/hydro-tech.671/

 

I did loosen the front band when I got home from work, hit the road, and whaddaya know, I hit all 4 shifts. Need to fine-tune the adjustment, but at least it looks like it doesn't need to come back out. Thanks to all of you for your help.

 

great news!

 

thats sweet! I learned something new today

 

Do what a previous poster said and get the gauges from Dave Needham at Autotran. You will have to pull the bottom pan, but this is the preferred method for band adjustments.