66 C4 slow shifting

[1966stang]

Hi, hope someone can shed some light on the following problem.

I have just replaced the 289 in my 66 coupe with a rebuilt 302 and while the work was being done figured I would get the auto rebuilt. Lucky I did as when the auto guy looked at it it was in a BAD way. He is an automatic transmission specialist who specialises in old autos.

Now it is all together but here is the problem, the auto is reluctant to change out of 1st gear, holds till about 3,000 rpm even with a granny foot 

All other changes are fine.

Have tried manual shifting but makes no difference, still holds till over 3,000.

This is what I believe is the cruise-o-matic  or green dot box so I can bypass 1st gear but figure I am putting extra wear on 2nd.

All vacuum lines have been replaced to my knowledge but I am unsure if the modulator was replaced, suspecting this may be the culprit but would appreciate advice from more knowledgeable people.

I haven't contacted the repairer yet but see that as an option but after spending near 10K for the work (motor, transmission and rear springs) I need to avoid any more bills or I may be out on my ear and sleeping in the car. What a fate 

[shaunp]

Kick down cable too tight?

[1966stang]

Hi Shaunp

No kickdown cable or rod to my knowledge, yet it does kick down (reluctantly) Was the same with the 289.

[shaunp]

They need a kick down cable to work properly the box uses the vac, and kick down to determine when to shift. Could also be an issue with the govener. I'd fit a kickdown and if no good take it too the bloke who built it should be a warrenty job.

[GLENN 70]

Sure get a kick down put on ,but make sure that the vacuum line is on ,that will cause it to hold to 3,ooo revs then shit hard  . Check modulator as well, may need adjusting ,there is a screw in it when you take the vac line off,very small flat blade screwdriver .

[1966stang]

Hi all, thanks for the replies.

Will try to get it to the transmission guy tomorrow. Feel sure he will fix the problem.

Will post what he finds to help others

Greg

[1966stang]

Well, went to the transmission guy this morning. Problem appears to be the valve body. Also missing the short kickdown cable and lever off the side of the box. Hope to source these locally.

It has had a shift kit fitted and appears there are some problems with this.

Strange that it seemed to work fine before the rebuild but maybe the WORN clutches were hiding the problem.

Anyway it is back to the workshop Monday week so hope all goes fine this time.

At least the car is driveable and I can run it in D1 so I don't use first gear, lucky it is flat out here and not much traffic

Greg