Hi I have an 67 Buick Skylark 4D HT that has been stored for around 15 years, dry. We finally got it to start, but it will no longer go into gear. The shifter moves, but nothing happend in neither D, R , L1 or L2. In the car is a 340-4 engine and a Superturbin 300 2-speed automatic transmission, if I am not mistaken. I have now changed oil and filter in the gearbox, looked at the modulator, wich seems fine. Vaccume hoses seem to be sealed and not leaking. There is a electrical plug on the side of the box, wich is not in use - as there are noe wires going to it. The car was running before it was put in storage. It needs some restauration, be we would like to be able to move it. Any suggesions on how to get it into gear? Any valves in the gearbox that might be stuck?
Car has been sitting so long that the tranny seals have probably dried up and thus have failed. Worst case is that the pump has seized.
Hmm... Ok... It has been running for an hour, trying to shift and gear, but I guess this will not re-lubricate enough to make things move nor glide. It was also slipping a little in reverse these 15 years ago, so will consider taking it out and send it in for overhauling. Any quick fix suggestions on what could be checked or tried?
Skip the rebuild and upgrade to an at least TH350 or better yet a 200R4 O/D transmission! Both will bolt in without any driveshaft mods but the O/D will need the cross member moved back. A TH350 will be about the same cost to buy a core and have it rebuilt than just having the ST300 rebuilt and the TH 350 has an extra gear to aid in off the line acceleration, same with the 200R4 but with an even better 1st gear. (dealers choice, GL) Derek
Highly agree with this. Get the extra torque off the line and drive-ability of the 3 speed. More fun for the same rebuild money. Jim J D
Thanks for your advice. I will see if I will be able to get hold of a TH350 here in Norway. Rebuild of my ST300 is estimated to around $2500 here. The cause for the car not moving at all, was indeed low fluid level on the gearbox. It had been leaking for a while, and the retailer claimed it only needed 3 liters of oil. It indeed needed 3-4 more liters. When this was added, the car moved in all gears. After making the car driveable and using it today, the reverse gear started slipping after getting warm. Revers gear seem to only work when oil is cold... Also, the car/transmissin is shaking/jumping/surging (converter?) when warm and full acceleration in 1. gear. I have serviced it with new filter and oil.. Also, the car was originally delivered with a manual, but my father rebuilt it to an automatic some 30 years ago, shortening the driveshaft etc, I just found out.. Looks like I would be more cost efficient to order an overhauled gearbox along with some other parts I need (front bumper, left fender, grill, emblem, front-light-frames, disk-break-convertion-kit, servo-convertion-kit/steering parts) from the US. And advice or tips on any of this would be greatly appriciated...
Get your ST300 rebuilt, drivability is excellent and how your 67 was designed - "upgrading" is a debatable word when changing the feel of the original car. To me it's a copout to change to something other than the original. You lose the feel, might as well just buy a different car.
I highly disagree there. 2 speed tranny is just Soooo out dated .... BUT it is the guys car and he can make his decision were all just here to try and help figure out why one way or another. If the car is VERY original I can totallty get the 300ST rebuild BUT if it is not and he likes to drive it do the swap. 3 speed will get you MUCH better off the line torque and still give you the same 3 gear. It will feel so much more drivable than any 2 speed trans. GM 3 speed transmission 350th or 400th are some of the best units ever produced for gear shift and strength and reliability. plus rebuild price will be the same if not cheaper sometimes as they are just more parts available. Hope this helps supply more info for the decision. Jim
I guess it depends what you want in a car, having driven THOUSANDS of miles in cars equipped with ST300's I can appreciate them for what they are, I guess I prefer the original smooth but ample job the ST300 does, I don't feel the need to rip my cars off the line nor have I ever found them to not be totally adequate off the line. LMAO a 3 speed tranny is SO out of date, maybe you should put a new 10 speed tranny in.
A TH350 is not an upgrade for an ST300. The switch pitch will get you off the line faster, it been proven. A 200R4 is an upgrade, however, the rear end ratio that usually comes with an ST300 is typically 2.78 or 2.92 which will not work with the overdrive of the 200R4. You would need to change the rear to 3.23 or 3.42 (preferred). Your best bet is to get your ST300 working, try to get the switches that are missing, it's a good set-up. Be sure your fluid level is correct, hopefully you didn't run it long with low fluid since which would fry the front pump.
Here's a link for the switches and harness. http://www.ebay.com/itm/1964-65-Bui...ash=item4d4d19d142:g:PzoAAOSwZJBYBXvj&vxp=mtr
10 speed would be cool Just have to iron out all the flaws first. That is why alot of people are using 700r4 and 4l80 60 etc. They are strong enough and all the headaches have been worked out by the aftermarket companies . Like you said it all depends on your needs. Most Americans want it all as usual. go fast, mileage and reliability. It is the way it has always been... that is why we have gotten to 10 speed transmissions and fuel injection and electronic magnetic ride suspension and turbo motors and so on. If we just stay satisfied will get no where in the world. technology would stop. Wants create this and jobs. Jim
Having an old car that diesn't feel how it is supposed to ruins it fir me, might as well just buy a newer car
