Hello all! This forum is really nice, and I know I will probably asking questions that have been asked before, so please forgive me ahead of time. The car does run, but poorly. It has a Edelbrock 1406 on it which is pretty new. I just swapped out the fuel filter, which was full of junk. I am planning on cleaning the carb out tonight. The kickdown linkage is not hooked up, and the car will drive only in L at this time. Is this related to kickdown not being hooked up? Thank you in advance!
welcome chad disconnected kickdown isnt related to only driving in l its there to shift down when you really push down the loud pedal in high gear but since you are only in l, which is first from the two gears, it cant shift down
Thanks Nailhead, So kickdown linkage is not related. Now that I know this I can start assessing the linkages on the trans. The factory service manual I ordered will be here today, so I'll have something good to reference. One more thing you might know of. When placed into D, the rpms lower and she wants to die. I gave it some throttle in D and she kind of moves forward, but has no guts. Almost a creep but not even. I am thinking either a valve, or linkage. My goal for this car is to get her running like she did in 62, and drive the heck out of her. Upgrades can come later, possible trans swap. I am able to drive her around the block, but the rpm are so high to keep her running that braking is sketchy. Good thing is she does start and stop, and the Nailhead is strong!
how many rpm is the engine running in neutral and how much does it drop when you put it in gear? and does the vacuum advance work? you can check this by disconnecting the hose at the carb and suck it with the engine running rpm should go up
Make sure the trans is properly filled with ATF. Unless you have a seized drum or brake caliper, putting the car into D should move it. If not, it’s likely that the trans is low on fluid and should be filled immediately so the clutches don’t hurt themselves any more.
Thanks John, I just checked the trans fluid while running, and it was at the full line. I guess I should be more specific on the kickdown linkage. It's travel is about a half an inch. It seems to me it should have much more travel, that similar to the throttle linkage. I replaced distributor cap and rotor as well as plugs, wires, and coil today. She runs very well, just won't drive in D. thanks
