View Full Version : TH350 Downshift


cartboy67
Oct 7th, 03, 04:23 PM
I posted this a while back with zip on replies. I have a problem with my tranny downshifting, typically only from 3 to 2, it does this at constant speed, without changing the load on the engine. It is not particular to speed, it will do it running 60-70 on the highway, or 25-35 in town. I did a rebuild with a TCI kit last summer, had burnt clutch packs. I noticed the problem prior to the rebuild, so I ordered the kit, did the rebuild with the help of a good solid mechanic, friend of mine, but I still have the same problem. Could I have missed something in the rebuild, or maybe overlooked a worn/bad pump. I have not been satisfied with the tranny since I got it, B&M rebuild from Summit. Not recommended to anyone, have not purchased a B&M product since, to my knowledge.

dnult
Oct 8th, 03, 06:03 PM
Does it seem to run too long in the gears before shifting and shift hard? If so, you might have a vacuum modulator problem. Either the vacuum supply is impared, or the modulator needs to be adjusted. How much vacuum does your engine create?

-dnult

dnult
Oct 9th, 03, 05:46 PM
Was it something I said? Man that must of went over like a fart in church. :D

-dnult

Crosley
Oct 9th, 03, 07:02 PM
usually farts tend to drift slowly

cartboy67
Oct 10th, 03, 01:23 AM
dnult,
i just read your post. it's been a hectic week, haven't had much time in TC. i always appreciate the information from the guys in the know. i'm the same guy that shot the e-mail asking about shift points after engine work on my camaro, you responded with a ton of info on my question, it is always appreciated. as for the shofting, it seems to run out of first fairly fast, then second seems to be ok, both under hard throttle, normal in town driving, everything seems to shift fine, but every now and again, it will not shift into 3rd at speeds around 30-40.
steve

[ 10-10-2003, 03:38 AM: Message edited by: cartboy67 ]

dnult
Oct 10th, 03, 04:14 AM
Hmmm, from your explanation of the 1-2 shift I'd say the modulator isn't the problem, but 3rd sounds like it may be. If the modulator has too much spring tention on it, it will cause the transmission to shift late and hard. Inside the vacuum port of the modulator valve should be a small standard screwdriver adjustment. You might try turning the adjustment counter clock-wise one or two turns to see if things straighten up. That would cause the late 3rd shift and easy downshift.

It might be that the shift points seem correct because of the gearing and govenor adjustements when in fact the modulator is too firm. So be aware that if the modulator adjustment cures the downshift and late shift problems, but the shift spacing is off you are problaby tweaking the right knob. But you may need to follow up with a govenor adjustment to get the shift spacing back where it should be. Another possibility is a leak in the valve body / separator plate or the govenor is worn out.

-dnult

rolling-robert
Oct 12th, 03, 11:10 AM
better check your vacuum line first.

had same problem with my th350

leaky vacuum hose!

Steve W
Oct 12th, 03, 05:45 PM
Not to argue, but I have a new B&M Street/Strip TH350 in my car and I think its just fine! It shifts a little too soon from 1st to 2nd, but thats because I have no vacuum to speak of. (I'm addressing the engine thing next week.) I think its a great product. Just my .02

graemlins/beers.gif

cartboy67
Oct 14th, 03, 04:44 PM
Thanks for all of the info, I will look into each of the suggestions. I wasn't trying to bash B&M, just was not the quality that I expected. When I got the tranny, most of the pan bolts were loose, somewhat expected after shipment, but the tailshaft leaked due to a bad rear seal. It only lasted 4 years with no dragstrip, and roughly 2000 miles put on it. Just my bad experience with the brand, which will prevent me from purchasing from B&M again.
Steve