Hydramatic 1st to 2nd very rough

Includes clutch, transmission, propeller shaft,
universal joints, differential and rear axle.

Moderators: reidy, Blacky

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Simba
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Joined: Wed Sep 05, 2018 8:25 am
State: NSW
Location: Newcastle

Hydramatic 1st to 2nd very rough

Post by Simba »

Hi All,
I've recently got my EK on the road. standard grey motor with hydramatic. All is well except for the shift from 1st to 2nd gear. It seems to hold onto 1st for way too long and then kick up to 2nd with a jolt and a shudder. 2nd to 3rd you can barely feel so I know it has the potential to shift nicely. I have adjusted the throttle arm linkage thinking this may help but either extreme of the adjustment still hangs in 1st way longer than feels correct. Any further troubleshooting advice from folks here? I'm reading through the shop manual to try and figure out my next step but that thing isn't the easiest to understand.
ardiesse
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Re: Hydramatic 1st to 2nd very rough

Post by ardiesse »

I'd suggest a transmission service. At the very least, check that the fluid level is correct: nose the car up against a tree, leave the engine idling in Drive, and check the fluid level.

The Hydro has to empty the fluid coupling of oil when shifting from first to second, and that takes about a second. And I think there's a band which applies in second gear. The band may be out of adjustment.

Rob
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Simba
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Location: Newcastle

Re: Hydramatic 1st to 2nd very rough

Post by Simba »

Thanks mate, I've checked the fluid and it seems good. Winding on the throttle linkage all the way seems to minimise the issue but it's still happening. Might drop the pan and readjust the bands. Seems simple enough from the service manual. I Will report back.
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Simba
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Re: Hydramatic 1st to 2nd very rough

Post by Simba »

No luck with the band adjustment. Gave it all a clean up and turned my attention to the filter. It looks quite perished but I cannot for the life of me find where to purchase one besides this site https://www.fatsco.net/roto-5.html that I dug out of the archives on this site (hasn't been updated since 2013 so dont really know if they exist).
Could the filter be the culprit perhaps? not letting the oil drain quick enough when it shifts?
Blacky
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Re: Hydramatic 1st to 2nd very rough

Post by Blacky »

Try sending a PM to SunnyTim, he is the hydra guru but doesnt visit this site as often as he used to - I am sure he would be happy to share his knowledge. :thumbsup:
When you're faced with an unpleasant task that you really don't want to do, sometimes you just have to dig deep down inside and somehow find the patience to wait for someone else to do it for you.


Foundation member #61 of FB/EK Holden club of W.A.
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Harv
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Re: Hydramatic 1st to 2nd very rough

Post by Harv »

I imported 10 Hydramatic filter kits from Fatsco a few years back. Sold almost all of them.
http://www.fbekholden.com/forum/viewtop ... rv#p213730

They are still for sale on eBay:
https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/ROTO-10-SLI ... ctupt=true

I may have one left, but not certain. If you send me a PM reminder at the end of next week I will take a look and see if I still have it (I am currently on the road for work). If I do, you are welcome to it at cost.

Cheers,
Harv
327 Chev EK wagon, original EK ute for Number 1 Daughter, an FB sedan meth monster project and a BB/MD grey motored FED.
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Simba
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Re: Hydramatic 1st to 2nd very rough

Post by Simba »

Thanks Harv and Blacky, I'll send out both those PM's!
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Harv
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Re: Hydramatic 1st to 2nd very rough

Post by Harv »

Found the filter - PM sent.

Cheers,
Harv
327 Chev EK wagon, original EK ute for Number 1 Daughter, an FB sedan meth monster project and a BB/MD grey motored FED.
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Brett027
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Re: Hydramatic 1st to 2nd very rough

Post by Brett027 »

I was talking to a fairly knowledgeable mechanic today, and he was saying that there is a take off point for a pressure gauge on these transmissions and it is critical that they measure 7psi at steady idle. He was saying if this pressure is wrong they will either make very rough changes or very slow ones. May be worth checking out.
Sucker for a rusty bomb
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Simba
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Re: Hydramatic 1st to 2nd very rough

Post by Simba »

Thanks, yeah I've read through the manual and can see that pressure test. I'll give it a go when the filter from Harv arrives and post back with results.
gpi
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Re: Hydramatic 1st to 2nd very rough

Post by gpi »

howd you go? or are you still stuck in the left lane?
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