Oldsmobile/Buick Repair: Oldsmobile Transmission Not Shifting, cutlass calais, 1979 olds cutlass

Question
Hello,
I have owned a 1979 Olds Cutlass Calais Hurst Olds for 20 years.  It doesn't get driven too much but last summer I noticed a problem; the car didn't seem to be shifting out of 2nd gear.  

Someone mentioned that it may be a clogged transmission filter, valve body or modulator.  What are your thoughts?  How do I tell if it is a bad valve body or modulator - can you tell by looking at them?

Thanks

Answer
The first most common thing is that the vacuum line goin to the modulator has broken and or the steel line has tiny tiny pin holes in it.

Take a new piece of rubber vacuum line and run it all the way from where it attaches to the engine vacuum and hook it right to the modulator and see if your problem is resolved.

YES, I know, You checked for vacuum at the modulator and you have vacuum, RIGHT ?.

You not only need VACUUM but you need VACUUM VOLUME and if there is a slight leak in the vacuum supply line going to the modulator, You will not have enough VACUUM VOLUME to operate the modulator. Another thing that happens is that the modulator valve gets stuck in the valve body. remove the modulator and using a small magnet reach in the valve body and see if you can extract the modulator valve. BE CAREFUL so as you note which way that it came OUT so you do not re-install it BACKWARDS.

Next would be the GOVENOR, I assume this is a 350 transmission? Pull off the large round cap near the back of the transmission and turn the govenor as you pull it out and see if the PLASTIC gear is stripped. If it IS, replace it with the EXACT SAME IDENTICAL GEAR with the EXACT SAME AMOUNT OF TEETH ON THE GEAR.


If you want you can e-mail me numerous pictures of the trans to me at:

meperganfortis@msn.com


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