Bouncing line pressure..

[79vettemike]

Hi gang,
I have a Bowtie Overdrives Stage 3. I've had it sitting in my garage for 3-4 years and finally got around to using it. Anyway, I have it in a 1970 Monte Carlo behind a 383 that I guess is pushing about 400-425hp. I am using an Edelbrock 750 carb and BTO's TV Made EZ utilizing a braided TV cable. No matter how I adjust it, the pressure gauge bounces ALOT. This may sound stupid, but do you think that something may have gone bad-i.e. dried out seals- since it sat so long? The face of the gauge is busted, so I am hoping that may be the issue. Do you know what could be causing the line pressure to be so irratic? I've already changed the fluid twice because when I hammer it in 4th, I throw trans fluid all over the exhaust and I smoke down the high-way and I think I scorched the fluid during my initial test ride. I guess my main concern is the irratic line pressure. It is not stable in any gear. Well, sometimes for about a split second it will go steady, but the minute you rev it, the gauge goes berzerk. I would greatly appreciate any and all advice. Thanks in advance.

 

[mark ace]

line pressure measured on a gauge is not smooth! the needle will bounce

 

[77 cruiser]

What are you showing for press.?

 

[79vettemike]

The pressure progressively goes higher. The pressures start around 90 psi, but i think that's because my carb needs to be rejetted and I have the idle pretty far out. I pick up my rejet kit today, but today is mother's day, so I may get to it tomorrow. Thanks for the replies so far.

 

[bison]

The pressures should start around 90 psi and go up to around 250 psi at full TV. How much are the pressures varying? Sounds like the trans is overfull if you are blowing oil out of the vent. It will whip the oil into a foamy mess and cause a little cavitation at the pump if its overfilled causing excessive pressure variances.

 

[79vettemike]

I filled the trans with 5 quarts after I dropped it and changed the gasket and filter. I thought the bouncing might have been coming from too little fluid. Anyway, I put one more quart in, so I didn't figure it had too much. Can a bigger cam or low idle rpm make the gauge bounce?

Also, I wouldn't mind going with a full manual valve body. I pretty much manually shift anyway. How difficult is this to install? Can I do it while the trans is still in the car? Will it cut down on the life of the trans? Will it run hotter? What are the pros and cons of this? Thanks again guys.

 

[bison]

Maybe your converter return hole in the pump housing is obstructed or not large enough. You have to determine where the oil is coming from when your on it. Try getting the car on jack stands and pull the TV all the way out while the trans is in OD to find the leak.