No 1-2 shift at WOT...

[yullose]

Just picked up another project car... (87 GN)

The seller told me it needed a trans, so I got it fairly cheap. When I got it home and unloaded I took it for a long test drive.

The 1-2 shifts are late and harsh at light/part throttle and won't upshift at all during WOT.

I've played around plenty with TV cable adjustment on other TR's in the past and regardless of adjustment, the cars would always upshift.
This one just hangs in 1st at WOT and won't go to 2nd unless you lift off the gas. The shifts feel pretty good in all the gears when it does shift, so I believe the trans is healthy otherwise.

I've done a bit of searching, and the only thing I could find was a brief mention of a possible governer problem.
Any ideas ?

If I can get away without having to put a trans in this car I'll be REALLY happy.

 

[TURBOELKY]

Tranny

mine did exactly the same, would'nt shift at wot until I let off the gas, so I bolted on a big turbo and blasted around the block and blew the crap out of it. I know now that I need a new one for sure, problem solved :wink:

 

[chris718]

a thrown governor spring,stuck tv upshift valve ,or a stuck tv valve in valve body.all can be done without trans removal.

 

[yullose]

a thrown governor spring,stuck tv upshift valve ,or a stuck tv valve in valve body.all can be done without trans removal.

Hey Chris... Thanks for the encouraging news.

Can you put together a little tranny "tune-up" care package for me ?
Whatever little odds-n-ends you think I should do to it for the time being.
New governer assy, filter kit, pan gasket, etc...

I'll call you later this afternoon with a credit card number...

 

[chris718]

no problem,however ill be in wildwood nj from thursday to sunday so just phone in monday and ill assist you.

 

[yullose]

Thanks for the ideas Chris...

I've had the pan off twice now, and haven't seen anything that set off alarms. I've built a few trannys over the years, so this stuff isn't "completely" alien to me. I'm just not familiar with the 200r4's.

I suspect the cars previous owner attempted to install a shift kit. The pan shows evidence of recent tampering. So keeping that in mind, there's no telling what is wrong with it. The shifts (when they happen) are firm and crisp, so I believe the trans is still relatively healthy. I think the problem is strictly in the valve body...So...I just ordered a full manual valve body for it. No more playing games with TV cables and that bull$hit.

This will buy me enough time to get the TH400 rebuilt and ready for the car.

 

[Alky V6]

I've seen a wrong VB cause that problem too. I hope the seller didn't keep the right VB for himself. I've seen that happen too.

 

[yullose]

Well...

It wasn't the valve body.

2nd gear isn't there AT ALL. The late shift I was feeling was 1st to 3rd.

Installing the full manual valve body just eliminated all other variables.

One thing I did notice...which made my heart sink... was when I reinstalled the steel lug/pin for the band, I noticed the eyelet on the band was ripped open. I went back together with it anyway... and kept my fingers crossed.

Took it for a test drive and was impressed with the shift firmness... Just too bad 2nd gear isn't there anymore.

Looks like it's 'gonna need to come out after all.

 

[TURBOELKY]

Well

if you would have just took my advice, you would have saved your self the extra work of tearing the tranny apart from under the car, and buying stuff the saying goes, if it feels broke, finish breaking it! damn I need a tranny too.

 

[yullose]

I've already got a TH400 being started as of this afternoon.
I'm 'gonna pull the 200R4 and have it rebuilt after I swap-in the TH400.
I doubt I'll go back to the OD trans, but at least I will have it sitting here fresh and ready to go if someone else needs one. I spent the money on the manual VB, so I may as well finish fixing it at least.

The TH400 will be done for me @ N/C.
I took the guy 3 transmissions and said I only needed one back.

He got a Chevy TH350, Chevy TH400, and BOP TH400.
My younger brother also works on a NASCAR team, so a pair of Pit passes for the Dover race were also part of the deal.
He'll give me back a full competition TH400 w/transbrake that will handle anything my little Turbo Buick can give it.

 

[TURBOELKY]

Th400

yeah, a buddy of mine runs a 400, probably alot stouter trans, but I like the freeway, and I can always use the od. But would probably be better off with a 400 trans. Sounds like you have a plan, later man.