I have an issue with the two speed Ford-O-Matic trans in my '64 Falcon and I'm hoping to pick your brains about it. The issue is that the trans will not upshift from low to high until the engine and trans warm up to normal operating temperature (165-170 degrees). Once everything is at that temp, the trans works great. Does anyone have any ideas as to what might be happenning? Thanks, Mike
It sounds to me like you have some build-up inside and only when the fluid gets hot and thin enough does it flow properly. So the plan would be to flush it well. I think your trans is actually three speed. I had two vehicles with the POS-O-Matic and it starts out in second gear unless you really floor it (***uming the throttle lever is hooked up correct) or manually put it in low. The shifter only has two positions, drive and low indicated. My POS-O-Matic only had a screen type filter, so I don't think your problem is a plugged filter. It is more likely the build-up problem and needs a good strong flush to dissolve the build-up and get the fluid flowing properly.
Low on fluid? Filter screen dirty, restricted or plugged? Two easy places to start, anyway. Hope it helps!
61-64 Falcons did have a 2 speed ****** controlled by a vac modulator & governor. First thing I would check is for correct vacuum at the modulator when its cold. Should be in the 17-19inch range. Also check modulator to see if it holds vacuum. If that is all good, check the governor ***y in the tailhousing for sticking. DAVE
Forgot to mention that the difference between C4s & 2 speeds is that the 2 speed does not have a removable bell housing. DAVE
Thanks for the input, guys. It's definately the two speed. The fluid level is good and I've replaced the va*** modulator, looks like I'm in for fluid and filter cleaning/ change next.
I knew what the problem was when I read the heading. My '63 did the same thing, I replaced all the same **** and then put in a C-4 and was happy. Good Luck
I agree with BenD... C4 is the way to go with the early comets/falcons/rancheros. I told one of my friend's recently to put one in his wife's comet. Car runs so much better!
My friend put one in his wife's car with very little modification from what he said. He's not mechanincally inclined at all... he had someone helping him, so I think it's gotta be pretty straight fwd.
[ QUOTE ] I have an issue ... [/ QUOTE ] What's that? You practicing talking like a "Valley Girl" or what? That's sooo five minutes ago...
As I recall I used the stock cross mount then notched it for a 1/4" plate (prolly 3" wide by 8" long) and drilled the plate for the C-4 mounting hole, then welded the plate into the cross mount. Sorry, wish I could be more clear but it's been a few years since I did it. I also converted it to floor shift too.
Oh ma gawd! Why so harsh Doc? I'm just trying to get a little help. Like, that's sooo rude...fer sure. I'm hoping a fluid change, cleaning and maybe a new governor (not the "Arnold" type) will solve the problem. I would rather avoid a ****** swap at this point, but, if needed, I have on hand a good C4 that came from a '75 Maverick that was junked because it would no longer p*** emmisions.
I changed my '64 Falcon from the Ford-O-Matic to a '64 Cruise-O-Matic using Comet parts. Bolt-in, natch. Seems the Mercury got the three speed and the Fords got two. Be aware you will need the five bolt bellhousing, available ONLY on '64-'65 Mercury's and '65 Fords. Kinda pricy, too. As well you need the column jacket from a Comet, which will give you the right shifter. Seats are nicer, too Worth the effort, but hard to find all the right parts. BTW, the Comet dash is the same as the GT Rustang, save for the outer plastic, and it'll bolt into the Falcon, giving you a full guage cluster. Cosmo
It is worn seals in the clutch pack. As they get old they harden and wear and don't seal against the drum properly until everything comes up to temp and the piston expands. It's also known as "morning sickness". It's not hard to replace them, but it does require a complete teardown.
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