What are the warning signs for Dynaflow problems?

Discussion in 'Classic Buicks' started by mosslack, Apr 20, 2015.

  1. mosslack

    mosslack Well-Known Member

    With the recent posts about transmission problems, I'm just wondering what to look for as far as warning signs go with a dynaflow. Obviously if the transmission is slipping, that would be an indication, but are there any other things to look for. It seems the dynaflow is such a quiet transmission it would be difficult to know if there are problems.

    Mine is quiet as a mouse, doesn't leak and doesn't slip. The car has about 60000 miles on it, but it sat for quite a while before I got it. I did have to add about a quart of fluid before I drove it the first time, but none since. I have not driven it for long distances, less than 20 miles at a time.

    Obviously there is always a good chance you might break down when driving an old car, but I would like to be as certain as possible when I make that first long trip that I will be able to make it. Time was when I was younger that I would not be afraid to start out across the country in an old car, but times change.:Dou: I guess when you are younger you don't give as much thought as to how your actions affect other friends or family members who have to come rescue you. Having triple A is a good idea, but I let mine lapse when I retired due to costs. I think making room in my budget for that would be a good idea before I start driving the old Buick too far. LOL
     
  2. Nailhead

    Nailhead Gold Level Contributor

    If you haven't experienced and problems yet, and it goes into drive, low or reverse smoothly and quietly, and the fluid is nice pink color I would not worry. If it's good for 20 mile trip it's probably good for 2000, IMO.
     
  3. bhambulldog

    bhambulldog 1955 76-RoadmasterRiviera

    :gp:
     
  4. John Codman

    John Codman Platinum Level Contributor

    I would agree with the two above posts. The major concern would be seal leaks after prolonged sitting. The Dynaflows were strong and dependable. Like anything mechanical they can fail, but rarely do so.
     
  5. 66electrafied

    66electrafied Just tossing in my nickel's worth

    I guess the thing that does go on them first is reverse, something about a band pawl failing, not entirely sure. I had one that didn't dynaflow very well off the start, but would still pull like an ox once manually shifted. It was in a car that had sat in an open field for 20 years. All I did to it was load fluid into it, and it ran after that.

    They were pretty tough transmissions, a lot less finicky than a modern one.
     
  6. telriv

    telriv Founders Club Member

    VERY IMPORTANT to adjust the bands especially reverse.
     
  7. BUICK 57

    BUICK 57 Well-Known Member

    Yes the item is called a "Reverse Anchor" and they go out usually from dropping into reverse instead of low at speed. Transmission fluid is just that. A fluid not an oil. It is used to transfer heat not lubricate. Pull the stick and look at and smell the fluid. It should be pink not brownish and smell sweet with no acred burnt smells to it. If it has sat that long and you have never dropped the transmission pan I would do so and replace the filter and transmission fluid. Transmissions are sensitive to prolonged high temperatures and the Dynaflow is no different. I would also install a front transmission line cooler as well at the same time.
     
  8. telriv

    telriv Founders Club Member

    Reverse anchor usually falls out because of a loose band adjustment.
     
  9. BUICK 57

    BUICK 57 Well-Known Member

    Good point and yes that too. Drop from drive to low at speed and see how loose your bands can get not to mention the pumps. Do that with reverse as well.
     
  10. bhambulldog

    bhambulldog 1955 76-RoadmasterRiviera

    I've been thinking about to answer your question since you posted it.
    In 45 years we never had trouble with the Dynaflow.
    About, fifteen years ago.
    During its second restoration, Dad had the Dynaflow rebuilt.
    It wasn't showing any signs of wear or slipping.
    Dad wanted to rebuild it while we were at it
    The rebuilder found a couple of stator vanes loose.
    But, everything else was in good order.
    So, the rebuilder replaced the requisite seals, gaskets, "o" rings, etc
    And, it's running as good as ever

    My point is, Despite having and driving the car for 45 years,
    I don't have experience with Dynaflow problems
     
  11. mosslack

    mosslack Well-Known Member

    That's a great record James. Hope mine will last at least as long as I do. LOL
     
    Last edited: Apr 26, 2015
  12. bhambulldog

    bhambulldog 1955 76-RoadmasterRiviera

    I think the Dynaflow is a rugged, well built transmission.
    And the later jobs (yours and mine) aren't deserving of the derision that is regularly given.
     
  13. mosslack

    mosslack Well-Known Member

    Thanks for all the replies to this thread. Main reason I asked was that I may have to move the car a long distance (over 2 hours and 100 plus miles) in the near future and I want to drive it instead of hauling it as I did when I moved here. I think with a set of gauges and the usual road trip equipment for an old car, I feel more confident in it's ability to make the trip.

    One more question, I can make the trip over rural highways or interstate highways. Which do you think is best and why? According to Google maps, the trip is actually faster going over the rural highways, but not by a lot (5 minutes as of right now), so time really is not a factor. I just want to know what is best for the car.

    Again, thanks for the help.:Smarty:
     
  14. telriv

    telriv Founders Club Member

    When I go some where with my '61 LeSabre I will routinely drive between 70-80MPH or else get run over by traffic.
     
  15. bhambulldog

    bhambulldog 1955 76-RoadmasterRiviera

    I like the back roads
     
  16. mosslack

    mosslack Well-Known Member

    I completely understand that, especially on I-65 between Seymour and Indianapolis, Indiana. LOL
     
  17. mosslack

    mosslack Well-Known Member

    I do also James, and my thoughts are if I do break down it would be better on a back road than an interstate highway.
     
  18. bhambulldog

    bhambulldog 1955 76-RoadmasterRiviera

    That's good reason.
    Being in the side of the Interstate hiway is not good

    I have another reason,
    My cooling issues are not quite solved
    Mine begins to heat up at sustained high speeds. I suspect the radiator.
    I've got it running cool for stop and go and medium speed, surface highways.
     
  19. TheRev

    TheRev Silver Level contributor

    Two cents from a young idiot: mine stopped holding in park. It was always tough for it to get out of its shoes from a stop, but pulled hard on the highway and generally performed well at 137k miles. If you ever see, feel, or hear the car move at all while parked on an incline, even a tiny amount, you have a problem. Sounds obvious but I chased mine down a gas station driveway the day it finally let loose ( no, a broken gasoline hose hanging off the side of the car was not part of this worlds funniest home videos moment). Prior to that it only "bumped" forward a half inch one time. My 2012 Jeep has done that before so I shrugged it off. Am told this is not uncommon in Dynas due to people not being familiar with the shift pattern and hammering the pin time and again over the years (as mentioned above).

    PS - AAA hates me, but platinum coverage is platinum coverage. Work it into the budget, keep you friends and family around for helping you move heavy objects and such.
     
  20. mosslack

    mosslack Well-Known Member

    I may be older, but I don't care which group of idiots give me advice, I'm just glad to get it! :pp Mine doesn't seem to have any problem in that area but I will keep an eye out for it. Not sure what the shift pattern has to do with park, it's where it always is. May try to fit AAA into the budget again if I start driving it on a regular basis. Thanks!
     

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