Experiencing "feathering of the clutch" on my 904

[jogirob]

I'm used to manual trans so the best way I can explain it is if you go to complete your shift from say 2nd to 3rd but instead of releasing the clutch pedal and getting a firm bite, you leave the clutch pedal in about half way and your engine just revs while getting little to no increase propulsion.

This happens to my 904 under moderate acceleration. I have to let off the gas pedal slightly for the shift to take effect. I'm reading through the FSM but can't tell if what I'm experiencing is a "Delayed engagement in D, 1, 2, and R." or "Runaway or Harsh Upshift". It does take maybe 1 to 2 seconds after I put the car in Drive to actually go anywhere come to think of it... *UPDAtE:From a stop if I accelerate normally it'll over rev to about 3.2k and seems to jump from 1st to 3rd. Used to shift out of 1st at around 2.2k depending on how gently I was accelerating. Lord help me if my rpms can't hold 3rd it'll downshift and over rev at around 3k again. Not sure if it's in 2nd or 1st. It's just as stubborn if I try to change gears manually using the hurst shifter.*

The car has about 229,000 and the original 904 with no rebuilds that I know of. Fluid levels are normal. No burned smell. I replaced the speedometer cable and fan right before this started happening.

 

[emore]

904's are automatic and dont have a clutch pedal

 

[Coronutcase]

I'd say you're gonna need a rebuild. My 727 started doing the same thing and got much worse quick! The clutches were burnt up, the bands were a mess and you can't always tell by the fluid. While they're in there, have a good shift kit installed like a Trans-Go. Like you, I'm a clutch guy (cars should have three pedals on the floor, not two), the shift kit makes an automatic somewhat more enjoyable. I would also think about your torque converter if you have plans to build your engine and install a bigger cam.

I'm fortunate to live in the same county (maybe 12 miles away) as Wayne Brewer... Someday a 4 speed is going in!

Good Luck!

 

[jogirob]

I'd say you're gonna need a rebuild. My 727 started doing the same thing and got much worse quick! The clutches were burnt up, the bands were a mess and you can't always tell by the fluid. While they're in there, have a good shift kit installed like a Trans-Go. Like you, I'm a clutch guy (cars should have three pedals on the floor, not two), the shift kit makes an automatic somewhat more enjoyable. I would also think about your torque converter if you have plans to build your engine and install a bigger cam.

I'm fortunate to live in the same county (maybe 12 miles away) as Wayne Brewer... Someday a 4 speed is going in!

Good Luck!

Yes whether one thing or another I think the poor tranny is just due for a facelift. The PO installed a B&M shift kit but not sure how long ago. The backup lights went out a few months ago. Gonna swap out the backup/neutral safety switch and adjust the bands (or at least try too). If the band adjustments, new filter & oil don't fix it I'll take it to the pros. Not about to mess with the gear and throttle linkages. I don't have the special tool.

 

[dvw]

If second gear is slipping or missing you have an issue with the KD band or its servo.
Doug

 

[jogirob]

Put in some Lucas transmission additive as a last ditch effort but the band or plate is probably too far gone. Took it on a short drive to buy the additive so I can warm the fluids up and get a fluid level reading. On a short 45 MPH section the transmission felt like it downshifted to first and it was like the brakes were being applied. Pulled over for a few minutes and then limped the rest of the way with no further engine braking incidents.

 

[Greg Ducato]

You can try and adjust the second gear band. It is an external adjustment, drivers side above the shift linkage.

 

[dvw]

The outer band adjustment is the 2nd gear band. loosen the lock nut. Snug it up. If you go more than 4 turns before its snug, the band is toast. Do not attempt to adjust it. It can go metal on metal and weld itself to the drum. Been there before.
Doug

 

[Preachr]

I'm used to manual trans so the best way I can explain it is if you go to complete your shift from say 2nd to 3rd but instead of releasing the clutch pedal and getting a firm bite, you leave the clutch pedal in about half way and your engine just revs while getting little to no increase propulsion.

This happens to my 904 under moderate acceleration. I have to let off the gas pedal slightly for the shift to take effect. I'm reading through the FSM but can't tell if what I'm experiencing is a "Delayed engagement in D, 1, 2, and R." or "Runaway or Harsh Upshift". It does take maybe 1 to 2 seconds after I put the car in Drive to actually go anywhere come to think of it... *UPDAtE:From a stop if I accelerate normally it'll over rev to about 3.2k and seems to jump from 1st to 3rd. Used to shift out of 1st at around 2.2k depending on how gently I was accelerating. Lord help me if my rpms can't hold 3rd it'll downshift and over rev at around 3k again. Not sure if it's in 2nd or 1st. It's just as stubborn if I try to change gears manually using the hurst shifter.*

The car has about 229,000 and the original 904 with no rebuilds that I know of. Fluid levels are normal. No burned smell. I replaced the speedometer cable and fan right before this started happening.

My 64 was having the same issues and like Coronetcase said it will get much worse quite quickly. It was a rebuild for the tranny at that point . I would some day like to go to those 3 pedals as well.
Much more funner . Preachr.

 

[jogirob]

Thanks all. Yes no more cruising on a slipping transmission unless it's to go to the transmission shop. Just looking to read up on how difficult it'll be to remove the transmission by myself. Is one person able to heave the thing unto the bed of a pickup?

Answer: Yes. It only weighs 127lbs.