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Old 11-21-2009, 06:23 PM   #1
nlped
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TH350 that won't shift into 2nd

Okay, a quick question. I have just bought this old beater, which I was told wouldn't run, that now runs. It was a bit low on trans fluid so I added 2 quarts and it would pull like normal in 1st and Reverse. But when I took it out on its "Maiden" voyage, come to find out it won't pull in 2nd, nor will it shift into 3rd. When the trans shifts into 2nd it pulls the motor down and will actually try to lock up the rear tires. Is this something major, or is there something simple that I can check first? It does great in 1st and Reverse, and the fluid looks nice and red, but beyond that, I have no knowledge when it comes to an automatic.

Any help would be appreciated.

Ed
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Old 11-21-2009, 07:01 PM   #2
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Re: TH350 that won't shift into 2nd

It's not something as simple as the vacuum modulator line being disconnected?
Maybe a cracked/dry rotted vacuum line?
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Old 11-21-2009, 07:31 PM   #3
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Re: TH350 that won't shift into 2nd

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Originally Posted by lolife99 View Post
It's not something as simple as the vacuum modulator line being disconnected?
Maybe a cracked/dry rotted vacuum line?
Probably not. Usually if it's that it will shift very hard and very late. Kinda sounds like something is stuck inside causing hydraulic pressure in places it shouldn't. You might try some Trans Tune from Seafoam to try and unstick whatever is stuck. Either that, or something is broke inside, and that's why the truck was parked. Good luck.
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Old 11-21-2009, 08:46 PM   #4
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Re: TH350 that won't shift into 2nd

could be a bad 2nd gear sprag. the only thing to do is yank the trans and tear it apart to find the problem. if its locking up most likely you got broken hard parts.
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Old 11-21-2009, 09:22 PM   #5
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Re: TH350 that won't shift into 2nd

i had a problem where mimne wouldnt shift at all but 1st and reverse worked, i forgot the vaccum line on the transmission when i put it all back together
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Old 11-22-2009, 12:25 AM   #6
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Re: TH350 that won't shift into 2nd

im thirding the vacuum line or the modulator on the trans
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Old 11-22-2009, 10:00 AM   #7
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Re: TH350 that won't shift into 2nd

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Originally Posted by nlped View Post
Okay, a quick question. I have just bought this old beater, which I was told wouldn't run, that now runs. It was a bit low on trans fluid so I added 2 quarts and it would pull like normal in 1st and Reverse. But when I took it out on its "Maiden" voyage, come to find out it won't pull in 2nd, nor will it shift into 3rd. When the trans shifts into 2nd it pulls the motor down and will actually try to lock up the rear tires. Is this something major, or is there something simple that I can check first? It does great in 1st and Reverse, and the fluid looks nice and red, but beyond that, I have no knowledge when it comes to an automatic.

Any help would be appreciated.

Ed
When I have had the vacuum modulator line come off at the trans it would not shift into second but maybe I wasn't staying in it long enough to force it to shift.

Dragging the engine down doesn't sound like anything normal unless you are getting a little compression braking from being high up in rpm in 2nd and letting off on the gas like at the end of a drag strip but I have never had enough of that with an unmodified valve body to actually try to lock up the tires.

You can have a valve body modified for more compression braking but usually that is done to race cars not old trucks.

I say check the vacuum modulator line all the way from the engine to the trans to make sure it is not damaged / unhooked first then call a transmission shop and give them your symptoms. They may be able to tell you what it is over the phone if it is a common problem.
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Old 11-22-2009, 10:46 AM   #8
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Re: TH350 that won't shift into 2nd

Hay all.33 years with Chevy. Modulator will not cause this problem. Modulators job is to regulate shift points by changing control pressure. The governor does the same thing based on road speed. Now, 1st gear is forward clutch & low\reverse clutch, second gear is intermediate clutch and band, third gear is forward clutch and direct clutch, reverse is direct clutch and low\reverse clutch which gives you a second gear ratio in reverse. You could have a stuck sprag but I am of the mind you have an internal oil leak requireing ovehaul, especially if it was that low on fluid. 350's are dependable IF they are built right. Find a good mechanic who knows them.
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Old 11-22-2009, 12:08 PM   #9
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Re: TH350 that won't shift into 2nd

I replaced the hammered vacuum line from the intake to the hardline going down to the trans. I assume that is the modulator line everyone is talking about.

Well, I took it out and drove it a bit and it was still "locking" up when it shifted up to second, so I slipped it into neutral then back to drive a couple of times and wahlah, it is now shifting into all gears. Don't know if something inside the trans was just stuck or what, but it now shift perfectly.

I'm gonna get some more trans fluid and a filter kit and change them next. The rear seal needs to be replaced as it leaks, but maybe that will be all ole Blue needs.
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Old 11-22-2009, 12:29 PM   #10
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Re: TH350 that won't shift into 2nd


maybe it was something sticking in the valve body, just needed some persuasion
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Old 11-22-2009, 12:37 PM   #11
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Re: TH350 that won't shift into 2nd

Must have been, that made my Sunday!!!
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Old 11-23-2009, 01:34 PM   #12
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Re: TH350 that won't shift into 2nd

Being so low on fluid probably exposed it to some corrosion that worked its way clean after a little use. Glad it is working again. Tranny swaps suck.

I think I would do a filter & fluid change on it now.
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