I have just rebuilt my dynaflow and put everything back in the car (a huge pain) and after running it for 20 miles, my reverse really slips a lot. I assume it is the band which I had redone and probably settled in plus I may have been a little generous on the slack I left. I really am in no situation to drop the dynaflow (it is in a public parking, I have no garage to work on besides work which I try to keep to a minimum). I was wandering if anyone has ever adjusted the bands while the transmission is in the car. I was hoping there was there just enough space for small tools and fingers (have not been able to check yet) ? I have seen people cut holes in the floor. I'd like to try to prevent that. I have not yet gone under the car to verify but I was hoping someone would share his experience and tell me it is possible !!! Also as far as adjusting the bands... it mentions to have slight trace of play then back off 6 turns... What does slight trace of play really mean ? Thanks... Roland
Forgot to mention it !! 1960 Electra 225 Convertible. Standard dynaflow w 401. I completely rebuilt the transmission and it was a nightmare to reinstall in the car (largely because I dont have a garage/much experience and am scarce on lifting equipment) so I am hoping I can get a pair of skiny hands in there to tighten the band (reverse - driver side of dynaflow) without having to drop the transmission !! 20170316_213532small by RJBT posted May 22, 2017 at 12:15 PM
The linkage to the Park-Drive etc.. lever or the one to the cylinder on the side ? My thought was that if the linkage was not positioned well it would switch at all to drive, low, reverse.... I go into reverse..; and it moves slowly but you can tell it slips a lot.
Block all 4 wheels, set the park brake and crank it up in N. Have a helper sit in car and hold brake. Crawl under and disconnect linkage rod wherever it is easiest to access and manually shift into reverse. Crawl back out and release park brake, see if it will try to pull over blocks when you throttle it. Shut off engine and adjust or re-attach linkage.
I am assuming you used a Buick Shop Manual to rebuild the transmission. It also has instructions for adjusting the linkage. If you don't have a manual, GET ONE. They are invaluable at times like this.
I have a manual... Next to my bed.. I reread it all the time.. Takes time for the details to sink in. Not sure I want to crawl under the car while shifting into reverse while cranking it !!! Will go back through the manual set up, but I should be fine as I already did it.
Let me rephrase this: 1) Block all 4 wheels,2) set the park brake 3) and crank it up in N. 4) HAVE A HELPER SIT IN CAR AND HOLD THE BRAKE. 5) Crawl under and disconnect linkage rod wherever it is easiest to access and 6) manually shift into reverse. 7) Crawl back out and 8) release park brake, 9) see if it will try to pull over blocks when you throttle it. 10) Shut off engine and adjust or re-attach linkage. There should be no danger if you follow steps in order. If you want to assume linkage is OK, then pull the transmission back out and check band adjustment.
The shop manual should have detailed instructions for adjusting shift linkage without having to run engine until you have finished.
