I finally got my 64 impala running,but couldn't get it to move. It has a 350 out of a 72 pickup but I'm not sure if the powerglide is original or came with the truck motor. It was low 2 qts, I had it jacked up and running, I put it in gear and it'll go 1-2 tire turns in either direction, but that's it. I have a feeling on the ground it may not even move. Any ideas what it could be? It also once or twice ground into park, but it wasn't consistent. I figure a fluid flush would help, but it's raining out
Wikipedia says 50-73. And lists a powerglide as an option on 72 c10s. I know that their info isn't the bible, so it may be the org tranny. Still doesn't answer my movement problem
Inside the front pump on a powerglide is a pressure relief valve, there is a plunger and spring held in place with a 50 cent roll pin. Often times you will find this roll pin broken, therefore the front pump will not build any pressure, no pressure, the car won't move. Access to the front pump, you'll have to drop the transmission out of the car, remove the converter, remove the front pump (requires the use of a couple of slide hammers), the front pump splits in half, once you remove the retainers, and the front oil pump drive will be right there. That plunger is about 1/2" in diameter and the roll pin is about an 3/16" . Best thing is have the transmission experts fix it for you. If you want to do it yourself, google "how to rebuild powerglide transmission" purchase the handbook, and learn.
A busted pressure regulator would probably give symptoms like that. Low fluid level will too....so the first place to start is to spend a little time carefully checking the fluid level. Start the engine, apply the brake and run the shifter thru the gears, then put it back in park, leave the engine running, pull the dipstick and wipe it off, put it in and pull it again and look carefully at both sides to see where the level is.
If it stops raining I'll drop the pan and change the filter and fluid. I was cycling it through the gears thinking it would help fill up the tc if that was low. It didn't register when I first checked the fluid, but after cycling the gears 20/30 times the level was perfect. The car did sit for 3 years before I got it, but months after I bought it I asked the po if it indeed run and drive once. I figured once it was mine he didn't have to worry about making a sale. He told me it did. But never more than around the block. Thanks for the input
If you wan't to learn about automatics you have the perfect trans to learn on. For $15.00 you can buy the P/G performance book and do it yourself. I like the drop the pan plan first though.
And BTW I had a 72 nova, 307 and a glide. I noticed the grinding into park comment. If the wheels are off the ground and running in gear, stop the rear wheels with the brake pedal BEFORE putting in park. Sounds like low fluid level to me too or no press. Lippy
lol, the wheels had stopped turning, but still ground to a halt. one thing that you just reminded me of is the fact its probably an open diff and the pass side may have been turning still, but the other 20 or so times it didnt do it. when i would give it gas i wouldnt get any more movement out of it and would stall out the car as the rpm's came down. that could be carb tuning issues though. it was still wet out before i had to take my daughter to the circus, so ill take a look tomorrow.
73 was the last year for the Glide. They are notorious for "varnishing up"; what's the fluid look and smell like, burnt? A stock 64 Impala/Bel Air/Biscayne Glide will be 25 inches long, as all the X-frame cars used (58-64). The rest were 28 inches long, though there is a rare Glide that is longer, that was used in big trucks (I've never seen one). If it was sitting, it's probably varnished up; the valve body will need to be removed and taken apart, and cleaned. At that point you might as well overhaul the trans anyway. The broken roll pin happens frequently, but then nothing works, at all. Butch/56sedandelivery.
the old fluid didnt register on the dipstick, so i couldnt tell you what it looked or smelled like. i put in 2 qts and it looks new, even after it cycled a few times. it is possible its gummed up and just not mixing. the sun is shining today, so ill be off to advance to pick up some fluid and a new pan gasket. thanks for the input on length, thatll help solve the mystery.
2 quarts may have not been enough, but a good idea to do a fluid change and also spring for a new filter. Bob
Do a pressure check at the mainline pressure port if the oil change and filter don't fix it. No or low pressure means front pump/ pressure regulator, valve body, etc. Good luck.
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