HydraMatic troubles (whiz whiz whiz!)

[Harv]

G'day Rosco,

Same part number for EK/EJ/EH - 8621218.

I suspect that someone in Australia is stocking them (from memory SunnyTim knows a hydro guru up north), though finding them seems to be a challenge.

I don't know what it is about hydros, but I've got an itching to understand better how they work... maybe after the crashbox guide .

Cheers,
Harv.

[rosco]

Thanks Harv,
I sense a request for documentation coming....?

frats,
Rosco

[Harv]

Naah.... I better not even start thinking about hydros quite yet. Still got four crashboxes to pull apart, photograph and kit out, and would like to get my hands on an FX/early FJ casing to understand the differences. Havn't even got rid of the Holley carbs from the last document yet.... shed is getting somewhat full.

... need to get a bigger shed .

Cheers,
Harv.

[rosco]

I note by your extension, Harv - that this is still likely to be requested.... I am getting older -and continue to place my life under threat when travelling "nomad" into the subjication of our native land...... this might prompt you to hasten your outline for a Hydramatic compilation......

frats,
Rosco

[Harv]

Rosco, you just brightened up an otherwise dismal day . I now have a mental picture of a guy with a pith helmet and desert boots, driving an early Holden with arrows sticking out of it through uncharted territory with the jungle drums beating in the background .

Don't go dissapearing anytime soon mate - we need your help and opinions here Besides that, I still owe you beers from the help recieved so far.

Thinking through, I now can lay my hands on the following hydro info:
a) the EK and EJ/EH Workshop manuals,
b) a copy of the Max Ellory Holden Transmission Repair Manual 63-88 {EP-TRANH},
c) the EK Service Bulletins (most of them are online on the forum - many thanks Steve).

I guess when it comes time, I'll probably hunt around and see what service manuals I can lay my hands on from the States (similar to what I did with the Stromberg carbs) - gives some cool cross references, and sometimes you stumble on some pearlers (the interchangeability of old Holden jets and the new ones made by the Stromberg Carburetor guys in the UK was pretty cool ). I suspect there are a bucket-load of hydro replacement parts being made in the US, just need to systematically hunt them down and document them.

If there is any other hydro info you have to hand, it's very much appreciated.

Cheers,
Harv.

[rosco]

Thanks Harv,
no - it won't be the EK which will have spears through it, or emu feather splattered in blood across the grille intake....
Although I did tow some pretty heavy stuff with the EK many years back (small tractor with back-hoe, six tiers of bricks on a 6x4 trailer etc).... it won't pull the 2.25 tonne van we trek the "plains" with....

Yes, indeed - if I have anything when you come to assemble your compilation.... I would be very much disappointed if you do not ask me fo input.....
There must be reams and reams of paper out there which is slowly finding its way into oblivion.... your committement to elecronically archive it, Harv - is most certainly a credit to you, the membership and generations of adorees yet to be born.....

thanks, Harv

I am gladdened to learn that you draw some glee from my words of concern.....

frats,
Rosco

[fendermatt]

Thanks for the tips guys! My hydra-matic troubles have taken a back seat to me engine troubles- the old grey threw a bearing just before christmas!!

If any others are keen on importing a box of filters I'd definitely be down on it.

Cheers,
M

[EKjimmy]

A little off topic, but i didn't want to start yet another thread on these stupid transmissions. One of mine finally shat itself today, with a big bang followed by no drive in any gear and lots of (growling? hard to explain the noise).
I've just been doing some research on fluids as I want to try to have the car running again by this arvo (sunday) but of course it's not easy to find dexron II on a sunday.
From what i've read over and over on a range of sites, Dexron III and VI are backwards compatible with all old GM transmissions (ie can replace dexron II). Even read a few seperate posts where late 40's buick owners have been running dex III and dex VI in their hydramatics without issue.
Can anyone shed any light?