[Ron65]

I just bought a 65 Malibu with the 194 and two speed powerglide. It runs fine and upshifts fine but it downshifts pretty hard until after about 20-30 minutes of driving. After that, it downshifts smoothly.

I've replaced the vacuum lines and changed the trans fluid and filter. I have the trans modulator but I can't seem to find a wrench thin enough to remove it.

My questions are: Does anyone know how i can remove the modulator or where I can find a thin enough wrench? Also is there anything else I should look at for the cause of the hard downshifting?

Thanks for any help.

 

[BACK FROM THE DEAD]

Might just have to buy a cheap wrench and grind it thin enough to do the job. Sears sells single wrenches as do most pawn shops.
I think your on the right track.

 

[Ron65]

Wow I feel like an idiot. I can't believe that didn't cross my mind. Thanks

 

[69zoomer]

also would suggest to flush out the metal line from manifold to modulator with carb /choke cleaner and blow out with an air hose as they get gummed up from fuel vapor over the years and make sure vacuum hoses to it are in good shape and tight.

 

[Ron65]

Good idea 69zoomer. I got the modulator off (after I ground down a wrench) Now I found what looks like a roll pin on the ground after I took off the modulator. I didn't see it come out so I don't know if it's suppose to be in there or not. Is it suppose to go in behind the modulator?

 

[Ron65]

Anyone? I'd like to get it put back together but I need to make sure I'm doing it right. The Chilton's manual says nothing about it and I can't find any other posts about it.

 

[LeoP]

Yes, it contacts/acutates the valve in the trans valve body.make sure you have a good gasket on the valve too. It should be a solid pin.

 

[Ron65]

Gasket? It didn't come with a gasket. I guess I'm going back to the store.

 

[Ron65]

I finally got the modulator replaced despite the rain. Nothing has changed and it still slams when it downshifts. Does anyone have any other ideas?

 

[69zoomer]

My next thought would be to check the mechanical kick down linkage to see if its hooked up ,operates freely and adjusted properly. if all checks out then i would drain down fluid enough to add 1/2 can or so of seafoam trans-tune and drive it a couple days to see what happens. its available here at advance auto and napa,maybe others.

 

[Ron65]

I'll give the sea foam a shot. The kickdown linkage seems to be operating properly. However, I don't think I'd know if it wasn't working right just by messing with it. I'll see if I can find somewhere that shows me how to adjust it to make sure.

I also read that it could possible be the idle adjustment? I looked around the WWW and in the Chilton's but I'd need to know what RPMs it's running at to be able to adjust it properly. Is there a way to adjust it without knowing the RPMs?