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55 dodge powerflite no 2nd gear
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hondaman1974
Posted 2021-09-03 4:22 PM (#614731)
Subject: 55 dodge powerflite no 2nd gear


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hello all, after 3 years i finally got to drive my 55 dodge, unfortunately it will not upshift to 2nd gear. fluid ( dex/merc) level is correct. first and reverse engage as it should with no slippage. never knew the condition of the trans as i bought the car with no engine. i had the pan off to inspect for severe dirt or broken parts.nothing abnormal found. never went through the valve body or clutches, just gave it a good cleaning, adjusted the bands and new external seals and gaskets. thinking it may be a pressure or govenor issue. any advise would be greatly appreciated. thanks!!

Tony
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Shep
Posted 2021-09-03 4:48 PM (#614732 - in reply to #614731)
Subject: Re: 55 dodge powerflite no 2nd gear



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I assume you mean no 2-3 upshift as it starts in 2cnd. Proper linkage adjustment is the first thing to check, oe manual is need to do this correctly, then move on to the governor. The manual also has a good diagnostic chart.

Edited by Shep 2021-09-03 4:49 PM
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hondaman1974
Posted 2021-09-04 9:19 AM (#614749 - in reply to #614731)
Subject: RE: 55 dodge powerflite no 2nd gear


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thanks shep. i do have a factory manual, adjusted the throttle linkage (about an inch out of adjustment) was hoping that would be the problem. made no difference. time to buy some gauges and check pressures.

Tony
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Powerflite
Posted 2021-09-04 10:23 AM (#614753 - in reply to #614731)
Subject: Re: 55 dodge powerflite no 2nd gear



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I just got my pink '56 Belvedere running from a long sleep, and found the same thing wrong with my transmission. I've never worked on an automatic so I will be happy to hear what you find out.
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hondaman1974
Posted 2021-09-04 11:11 AM (#614756 - in reply to #614731)
Subject: RE: 55 dodge powerflite no 2nd gear


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ill keep you posted. im fearing a teardown is coming
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57chizler
Posted 2021-09-04 4:05 PM (#614763 - in reply to #614731)
Subject: RE: 55 dodge powerflite no 2nd gear



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2nd gear (direct) is a function of the direct clutch. If the direct clutch is not engaging, it could be because of worn metal sealing rings or hardened/shrunken rubber seals. If it's the latter, an additive like Trans-X might rejuvenate the seals.

To be absolutely sure it's not a linkage adjustment problem, temporarily disconnect the throttle control lever at the transmission and push the lever full forward...if it still won't upshift, the problem is internal.
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Shep
Posted 2021-09-04 5:09 PM (#614765 - in reply to #614763)
Subject: Re: 55 dodge powerflite no 2nd gear



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Guys, the governor controls the 2-3 shift, assuming proper throttle pressure adjustment, first thing to check, before a teardown.
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bbdakota
Posted 2021-09-04 5:36 PM (#614766 - in reply to #614731)
Subject: Re: 55 dodge powerflite no 2nd gear


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I had an issue with my powerflite where it wouldn't shift sometimes. Ended up being the rear servo was cracked at the pivot point. You can check by dropping the pan and look at the rear servo to arm contact point. It could be so many things.... look at a powerflite diagnostic flow chart thingy to know where to start looking
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Powerflite
Posted 2021-09-04 7:01 PM (#614767 - in reply to #614731)
Subject: Re: 55 dodge powerflite no 2nd gear



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My problem isn't that it won't shift, but when it does shift, there is no engagement. It just coasts until it slows down enough for 1st gear to engage.
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Shep
Posted 2021-09-04 9:08 PM (#614769 - in reply to #614767)
Subject: Re: 55 dodge powerflite no 2nd gear



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And when were going to release that important info to get more meaningful advice?
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56D500boy
Posted 2021-09-04 9:28 PM (#614770 - in reply to #614765)
Subject: Re: 55 dodge powerflite no 2nd gear



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Shep - 2021-09-04 2:09 PM
Guys, the governor controls the 2-3 shift, assuming proper throttle pressure adjustment, first thing to check, before a teardown.


Sorry. Semantics. No 2-3 shift in a Powerflite, just 1-2 but probably the same (potential) throttle pressure adjustment issue.

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Shep
Posted 2021-09-05 8:10 AM (#614775 - in reply to #614770)
Subject: Re: 55 dodge powerflite no 2nd gear



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Yup, as internal gearing goes I call it second. You are correct it really is first and high.
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hondaman1974
Posted 2021-09-05 10:46 AM (#614781 - in reply to #614731)
Subject: RE: 55 dodge powerflite no 2nd gear


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thanks guys for all your input. i did adjust the throttle linkage as per the service manual. it was about 3/4 out of adjustment. sadly no change. next step i will try is disconnect the linkage on the trans to see if that makes a difference. if no difference then ill do a governor pressure test, maybe tomorrow. im still thinking teardown, as when i had the tail shaft off i remember checking the governor for movement. luckily i have 2 1955 air cooled powerflites for spares. i may just rebiuld one of them

Tony
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57chizler
Posted 2021-09-05 1:34 PM (#614783 - in reply to #614781)
Subject: RE: 55 dodge powerflite no 2nd gear



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The fact that it does shift but does not engage eliminates the governor...the governor has told the trans to shift but the direct clutch isn't engaging and transferring the power; the fault is in the direct clutch.
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Powerflite
Posted 2021-09-05 10:27 PM (#614792 - in reply to #614783)
Subject: RE: 55 dodge powerflite no 2nd gear



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Thanks John. Kinda what I assumed, but now I know.
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