OT: My tractor.....needs transmission help chevy th350

DENNIS MIN · Nov 29, 2011

All,

I looked at the definition of tractor, and this kinda fits the bill.

I use it for pulling logs, packing dirt, fun stuff, dragging neighbors up the icy hills, etc.

It has a th350, that acts normally most times. however, it somtimes does not want to move. It seems independent of temperature, or fluid level, just acts up without a lot of repeatability.

If you could advise a non-transmission expert what to look for, I'd appreciate all polite replies.

D.

Old Roy · Nov 29, 2011

Not sure what you mean acting up ?
Does it seem to grab and let go?
not shifting correctly?
Maybe dont want to shift from forward to reverse ?
Do you have to wind up the engine before it will start to move ?

DENNIS MIN · Nov 29, 2011

I thought I had written better....it seems that I hadn't.

Sometimes, the trans will not "grab" any gear, sometimes, forward or reverse.

Sometimes revving the engine helps. other times not. But usually revving helps, but most times when it's cold, there's not much to be had.

Sorry to be so vague, but that is what seems to happen.

I am thankful for the questions and any polite advice.

D.

Old Roy · Nov 29, 2011

no problem.. probably something sticking in the valve body if it seems to run OK otherwise have you changed the fluid and internal filter lately ?

old · Nov 29, 2011

When was the last time you did a simple filter change??? Those filter if they clog cause funny things to happen and when they happen it can lead to bigger problems. A simple filter will cost you $20 plus 5 or 6 qts. of ATF and the fun of getting ATF all over your self

DENNIS MIN · Nov 29, 2011

Roy,

This machine doesn't hardly ever see thirs gear. I had changed the fluid with dexron three, and a fresh filter. Does not seem to make any change.
This problem could happen anytime. I was told perhaps the "seeals" were leaking, but when I asked which ones, well, there wasn't mmuch of an answer.

Thanks for the replies.....and any advice.

D.

Red Mud · Nov 29, 2011

Sounds to me like it has spent it's life without a trans fluid and filter change. plus you have no radiator..

DENNIS MIN · Nov 29, 2011

old,

Thanks for the response. In fact I had installed a drain plug into the pan just to make sure I did not take an atf bath, again....

Again, all polite advice is welcome.

D.

I need thhis home made tractor to work this winter...Minnesota gets tough on the equipment.

D.

DENNIS MIN · Nov 29, 2011

Red,

I will say that the fluid/ filter changes have been kept up, and I do run a radiator, just not pictured.

I figgured I would have caught more hell regarding the off topic tractor post, though....

Thanks,

D.

snoop-nc · Nov 29, 2011

Is there a Trans.Modulator Valve on that machine? I believe that those valves also have something to do with shifting problems. Check vacuum hoses also.

Rick...who used to be a parts man once upon a time in a previous lifetime and has since forgotten a lot of stuff!!

Old Roy · Nov 29, 2011

Could also be a stuck governor it opens up whith counterweights to choose the shifting ports in the transmission.
Another person give good advice also on any vacuum leaks that module he mentioned is important too.

Looks like that machine has done a lot maybe including some mud bogging if so I would lean toward a new filter/ fluid change first-- may have gotten water/ mud in the filler tube.

Allan in NE · Nov 30, 2011

Dennis,

You've got a bad torque converter if there is neither rhyme nor reason to the fault (transmission otherwise seems to act normally).

Drop the truck in drive or reverse from neutral or park. The engine should "load". If it doesn't, you've found your problem.

There is a one-way clutch in that thing that has to hold while on launch. Sure sounds like your's is turning loose once in a while.

Allan

60 acre hillside · Nov 30, 2011

I wonder how many times he walked around this machine without discovering it was missing

Will- Tx.-Mn. · Nov 30, 2011

Dennis,

I like that tractor, it is very neat, I had one years ago, made from a 1954 Ford car, back when cars had a real full frame, it was frame,engine,drive line and one seat!..

!Will

MarkWV · Nov 30, 2011

I like the hood, simple lines,

Anonymous-0 · Nov 30, 2011

(quoted from post at 06:32:47 11/30/11) I like the hood, simple lines,

That's like a cadillac to you hillbillies (mountaineers) huh???????

pretty neat.....

BCnT · Nov 30, 2011

some folks will call this a snake oil fix but i've had very good luck with K&W Trans X...came in a blue and silver qt. can last time i bought any...NAPA should have it or be able to order it...i've "fixed" alot of auto trans with it that were doing the exact same thing you describe...seals harden up over the years and the kw softens em up some.

Doc 2 · Nov 30, 2011

It sounds like you are due for a rebuild or another transmission. You do have seals leaking in the clutch packs. Very common in these transmissions. The first things to check are the fluid level and condition. Sound like you have done this. Next make sure the engine is running good and has good vacuum. Make sure the vacuum line to the modulator (small can on the back of the transmission) is hooked up and no breaks or cracks. If these items are okay you have internal seal leaks as I mentioned. TH 350 is still available in junkyards. Might be your best bet.

rustyfarmall · Nov 30, 2011

Allen nailed it. Replace the torque convertor.

old · Nov 30, 2011

Well I would say I know what you mean but it has been decades since I was up in MN. Yep lived there at one time and still have a lot of family up there in the Winona area

teddy52food · Nov 30, 2011

Lip seal on the direct clutch is bad.

tjiniowa · Nov 30, 2011

I have a few used 350 TH trans if you want to buy one in NE iowa

Aaron Ford · Nov 30, 2011

I want one!!!! Minus the tranny woes, though.

Sorry I can't help,

Aaron

DENNIS MIN · Nov 30, 2011

Old,

You're family is not far off...considering Mn miles.

I live near the WI border, but am fairly close, seeing as 2 hours in my mind is considered close.

D.

DENNIS MIN · Nov 30, 2011

Thanks,

That was a design about 15 years ago, but seves me well....

D.

DENNIS MIN · Nov 30, 2011

Teddy,

I don't know what a direct clutch is, or what even one smells like?

I am even further unsure what I could do to fix it. Thanks for the reply, though, perhaps I am too deep in your knowledge pool without any valuable feedback from me.

D.

DENNIS MIN · Nov 30, 2011

Allen,

My poor description is limited, hence, there's perhaps a whisker of miscommunnication from the folks here, to me.
I.

I cannot figure out why I am haveing occasional, random , torque converter issues. If I understand correctly, the TC should work the same every time, no?

Forgive my ignorance please,

D.

DENNIS MIN · Nov 30, 2011

Thankyou,

I may consider your offer, but I'd rather tackle this locally, meaning no disrespect, rather I would like to solve this at home...

D.

tjiniowa · Nov 30, 2011

Thats fine, just throwing it out there for you.

DENNIS MIN · Nov 30, 2011

Cadillac?

Maybe the photo didn't show? Well, either way, it's my workhorse for dragging wood uphill for heat.

Cadillac comfort, if you don't mind bugs, dirt, heat, cold, lack-of-windshield, noise, no cruise control.......you may enjoy the home-built humor...I certainly do.

Bby the way, the radio does not work, seeing as it is not installed...

D.

Allan in NE · Nov 30, 2011

A whisker of miscommunacation, you say? LOL!

Your transmission is one of the most commonplace units on the planet. Really surprises me how they are almost totally 'misunderstood'.......There, how's that for being somewhat "tactful"? :>)

My email is open. If you need help with this transmission, give me a shout. I'd be glad to help.

Allan

teddy52food · Nov 30, 2011

They are not to bad to work on. I did quite a few in my younger days. Had to fabricate a few tools though. Usually put in a major overhaul kit which has all seals and gaskets plus the clutch plates. Some trannys needed a band too.

Allan in NE · Dec 1, 2011

I'm waiting for someone to recommend changing out the bumper bolts. :>)

Allan

old · Dec 1, 2011

Ya years ago a 10 hour drive was common place for me but now days 2 hours and I am hurting big time but that is due to this 5.5 inch scare in my lower back. One of my cousins has the old family farm in that area I think if I remember right the Mennieesca (sp) area. Last I knew he had a bunch of fence row tractors and equipment to boot

rustyfarmall · Dec 1, 2011

(quoted from post at 04:38:42 12/01/11) I'm waiting for someone to recommend changing out the bumper bolts. :&gt

Allan

Or change the fuel filter.

DENNIS MIN · Dec 1, 2011

rustyfarmall,

Got a good chuckle outta that....I am assuming you were kidding, though.

I am a learner, but if you really think a filter would change things, weel the carb has a fresh one on it, but I don't see the connection.

Best wishes,

D.

OT: My tractor.....needs transmission help chevy th350

Member

Well-known Member

Member

Well-known Member

Well-known Member

Member

Member

Member

Member

Member

Well-known Member

Well-known Member

Member

Member

Member

Well-known Member

Well-known Member

Member

Well-known Member

Well-known Member

Well-known Member

Member

Well-known Member

Member

Member

Member

Member

Member

Member

Member

Well-known Member

Well-known Member

Well-known Member

Well-known Member

Well-known Member

Member

Similar threads