Reverse sputtering....this is getting old!

[1962 Skylark]

I got a 62 Lark that runs like the wind. All new 215 rebuilt. Auto tranny is rebuilt also. Problem is reverse. Shift to reverse and the engine loads down sputters and dies. Shift back to Park rev her up clean out the excess gas and try reverse again and the result is the same. Once in a while if I dont touch the gas at all in reverse I can back up slowly. Most of the time it dies. Any ideas????

[DualQuad55]

Could the one-way sprag be in backwards? I am not 100% familiar with your trans but if the sprag is in backwards, when you try to drive in revers it could lock up and stall the car.
I would move this to the auto trans forum and see if any of the guys who rebuild them regularly have any good ideas.

[silvergs72]

Check for a loose connection or short in your wiring. You could be loosing power to your coil.

Mike

[doc]

I think there is a problem with the torque converter or the valve body is sticking. Either way it is a trans problem and needs to be checked out by a trans specialist.

[DougB]

According to Compact Buick Gazette a guy by the name of Leslie Layton was listed as Transmission Tech Consultant at PH (503) 390-4605. However, this was the Jan - Mar 1996 issue. Might be worth a try though. All I ever read was reverse gear was always the first thing to go bad on the Dual Path Trans which is why I converted to a 5 speed manual.

If you can't reach him you can get Dan Lagrou at (810)798-2491. He does 215 engines but would know who specializes in trannys.

Doug