The car - 1965 Ford Galaxie 500, 5.7 litre V8, Ford 3-speed autobox.
The problem - transmission does not change into top gear until the car reaches 50-55mph, even with very gentle acceleration. Otherwise behaves perfectly - fluid level is correct, and fluid is a nice red colour. The owner tells me it has only started doing this recently.
I would guess that this is an absolutely conventional, old fashioned automatic transmission, so does anyone have any suggestions as to the likely cause?
Richard Hall
bangernomics.tripod.com
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Probably first signs of pump on the way out. Could be crud in the filters, smaller pieces not trapped by filters blocking valves. What ever --- sounds like a job for a FATE member in your area
Bfn
Phil I
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It might be worth checking whether this version uses engine vacuum as a control input to the gearbox.If so you will find a line (rubber or metal small diameter pipe) running from the inlet manifold to a diaphragm on the transmission.If fitted this obviously should be in good order ie not leaking or blocked.I think if the diaphragm has failed then gearbox oil could be drawn into the cylinders and you would certainly notice the smoke from the exhaust.
Not sure whether this Galaxie uses this system,but if faulty it can cause the symptoms you describe.
David Davies (Tune-Up Raglan)
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In 1965 it was probably still a BW box;the Ford C3 was the one with vacuum kick-down(the BW was cable)check this cable,usually at the end of the throttle linkage,for adjustment,seizing or internal fraying-I've known one ice-up in cold weather.
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I agree that the cable is the most likely cause (see my posting below) and, having thought about it, I would also agree that the box is likely to be a Borg Warner, maybe even an upsized 35.
If it is a BW, I may be able to offer further help. I'm no expert but I learned the hard way half-a-lifetime ago (about 30 years) how these boxes go together and, like learning to ride a bike, it is not something you forget in a hurry!
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Richard,
The following data comes from Borg Warner and relates to their BW35 three-speed gearbox fitted to some 1960s British cars. Since Borg Warner developed this box in conjunction with Ford USA, there may be some similarities with the Galaxie box ...
Recommended fault-finding sequence for 'above normal 2-3 shift speed':
1. Downshift cable incorrectly adjusted or not operating freely.
2. Sticking throttle valve (inside the gearbox).
3. Sticking or leaking governor valve.
4. 2-3 shift valve sticking.
5. 2-3 shift valve plunger sticking.
6. Modulator valve sticking.
7. Sealing rings missing or broken.
8. Valve body loose.
9. Primary regulator valve sticking.
I would also add the possibility of foreign matter jamming open a valve. This happened to a GM box in my car a few years back when a radiator repairer let bits of swarf fall into the gearbox oil cooler from whence it entered the gearbox hydraulic system post-filter. I couldn't get 2nd to engage until close to 40 mph, and then only on a very light throttle.
Hope this helps.
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I agree with David Davies' suggestion of course. I was still researching in my 'archives' when he posted that!
Also, in case you think I must have had a very fast car to have run to almost 40 mph on a light throttle, let me explain that I had to hold the pedal down to get to that speed and then bring it back to almost closed to get 2nd to engage.
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My 1973 1.3L Escort Mk1 had the same BorgWarner Type 35 Autobox.
I would suspect sticky valves in the auto box...worn bands are usually shown up by excessive clutch grab and discoloured fluid.
I found that an auto box specialist could do a very cost effective recondition of these old and relatively simple gearboxes which made it work just like new.
cheers
Ian L.
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Thanks everyone. I checked the kickdown mechanism and that is fine, so I suspect an internal fault. Good thing it isn't my car - I'll have a word with the owner, and arrange to take it to whichever specialist he normally uses. They can change the exhaust manifold gaskets at the same time - looks like a horrible job, as all the bolts are heavily rusted and will doubtless shear or round off if I try to undo them.
Richard Hall
bangernomics.tripod.com
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My 1973 1.3L Escort Mk1 had the same BorgWarner Type 35 Autobox. I would suspect sticky valves in the auto box...worn bands are usually shown up by excessive clutch grab and discoloured fluid. I found that an auto box specialist could do a very cost effective recondition of these old and relatively simple gearboxes which made it work just like new. cheers Ian L.
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Dear Ian,
I have a Rover 2000 (1974), which is fitted with the same box.
I have no forward transmission and suspect the worst.
I am currently strapped for cash but very keen to hang on to the
car. All the quotes I'm getting for a re-con are astronomical.
I would love to know the whereabouts of a cost effective gearbox specialist.
I would be very grateful for the details of the firm you were so pleased with.
yours Sincerely
Andrew (London)
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Funny how these old threads come back to life. David Davies, you were right - broken vacuum pipe to transmission. Transmission had to be rebuilt anyway due to massive fluid leaks. Car now runs fine, except the windscreen wipers have stopped working. But what do you expect from an ex California convertible?
Richard Hall
bangernomics.tripod.com
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If it is the same box as fitted to a late 3 litre Capri I have one free to a good home sitting in my garage. Could deliver for a consideration.
Andrew
Happiness is a T70 at full chat!
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Dear Andrew,
I am surprised to see this thread active again! Sorry but my car was in the NE (Durham) and I had to sell the car before I moved to Oz in 1996 so I no longer have any names or addresses, but the cost from a specialist in the NE was about 250 pounds in about 1992 for a full recon. More than the car was worth but kept it going like a dream.
This engine used the cable kickdown not the vacuum one describes for the Galaxie the thread started with.
Sorry not to be able to help any further
Ian
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