1952-59 Ford Whirring Sound

I finally got the blue beast running and in proper timing. I drove it from my friends place the other night and had quite an experience the entire 20 mile drive. I was on the freeway most of the time. When I left my friends there was a whirring or whining sound as I put it in gear. While driving the car lost power and when going up hill at freeway speeds the car would completely lose power as if it had shifted into neutral on its own. I never felt the transmission shift out of 3rd, it would just lose power and I would have to pull over. This happened about five times on the freeway and three times on the surface streets. On the freeway I would pull to the shoulder and turn the car off and wait a few minutes. Once I started the car up again it seemed to shift correctly and gain speed again, however it continued the high pitched whirring sound the entire time. When I got home the car had a problem going into reverse while on flat ground trying to back into my parking spot. The transmission is a C6 connected to a 351W.

My first thought was that the flywheel was the problem but I also don't know jack **** about transmissions. A friend said that it may be the torque converter, but after reading a post from 53 Crestline last year I'm not so sure about what the problem could really be. If you have any ideas, I'm all ears.

 

Did you check the fluid level when the trans was warmed up? Sounds like its running out of fluid, may be a clogged filter. The bands may need adjusted also.

 

I had filled it with fluid prior to driving the car, and I checked it again twice when I pulled over on the freeway. I've also checked it once since I brought the car home. I had the same thought at first since we had just filled it prior to my leaving but the easy fix was as usual with this car, not the problem. Also the strainer is new, I just installed it prior to putting the pan back on a few months ago.

What are these bands, and what do they do?

 

The bands in a Ford trans, (I think 2 in a C4 and one in a C6) are actuated by servos that are controlled by the valve body,through oil pressure, blah, blah,blah. I used to overhaul C6's back in the '70s, so I cant remember which shift, 1-2 or 2-3 the band actuates. When you service the trans, the bands need adjusted also. A specific torque value is needed( another thing I cant remember) I think it is in inch pounds. The adjustment screw is on the side of the trans. It has a square shank on it with a jam nut. This may not solve your problem, though. Its been so long since I OH'ed one I cant remember the troubleshooting procedures. Anyway, I hope this helps.

 

The whining /whirring noise would make me believe the pump is starved for fluid. Along with the fact that the trans acts up after running a while would usally mean a clogged filter. I would remove the pan and inspect for stuff settled to the bottom. I would inspect the filter to make sure it is installed with the proper seal,also that it is the proper filter (does it get pretty close to the bottom of the pan). If I did not see anything I would probably install a new filter and try again.

 

I'd go with checking fluid level hot and verifying a clean filter first, also.

 

X4. Don't forget that trans fluid level is checked with the engine running in either neutral or park...

 

I had a whirring sound in my transmission on my pickup and found out the tourque converter was bad it only made the noise when it was in gear. changed it and all was good after that.

 

Thanks for all the responses. The fluid is full and new. The filter is also new and was in a kit with the seal. I checked it before the install and made sure it was exactly what had been taken off. The other stuff about doing it at normal running temp and while still running in neutral or park has also been done. I didn't notice a burnt fluid smell or see a difference in fluid color either. I did notice last night that the noise seemed to be coming from the bell housing area. The more I think about this, the more I think having an expert take a look at it would be a better idea.

 

I would check the torque convertor it would make you feel like it was slipping and loseing power also.

 

I wish I had the know how and a garage to check all these things. I could take it to the hobby shop on base but that does no good for me since I don't know my a$$ from a whole in the ground when it comes to most mechanics. I'd love to learn but not at the price of a transmission. Thank you everyone for your thoughts and advice. As for this one I'm just going to open the wallet and let a professional shop do it.

 

Put a post on the main board to see if HAMBers in your area can recommend a shop,let them know that you are in the service as some shops offer discounts to active service members and veterans.

 

Thanks for the advice Jeff, I already have a good shop lined up. I do have some questions as to the type of torque converter that I should be using to replace the stock one? Also if I have to replace the servo or the bands what are good brands to go with for those two items?

 

Go with a stock converter unless you have an overwhelming reason not to. The ****** shop will supply any parts needed to repair the ****** itself. They know their business...if you've chosen a good one...and have the knowledge to select parts appropriate to your purpose.