Volvo Repair: BW35 automatic transm., vacuum servo, shaft diameter

Question
Hi there Bilbo,

I own a 1968 164 (really, production number 260!) which has a hard time shifting into reverse and 3rd, especially when cold. Reverse I can do without most of the times so the real problem is upshifting to 3rd gear. I really have to rev up the (cold!) engine to get the car to shift.
Do you think I'll be done when I adjust the brake bands, or do you think I've got bigger problems?

I hope you can find the time to answer, and thank you in advance.

Ron Speetjens
Grevenbicht,
Netherlands

Answer
Hello Ron...

      There is a chance that you may save the tranny from doom..
     First of all, make sure that your trans. oil is pink...use type "F"....
       The reverse problem involves replacing "O" ring in vacuum servo...free up spring holding it into the servo body...remove servo plunger...looks like a disc with shaft...diameter of disc has 0-ring type seal...use thin coat of grease to get it back together...into the servo...
now is time to adjust band....leave 8mm of play at where the servo arm comes in contact with the plunger shaft...adjustments are easier if you use hole in body of car at tranny hump on pass. side left area.

Remember...the tranny ties to the linkage of the carb
if you disconnect this cable to the tranny ..it will shift sooner..or you may want to adjust this cable to the proper shift speed...about 30mph.

Bilbo