*****Please help, poor college student needs advice about hydromatic 4-speed transmission*****

What I have is a1960 olds 88 with a 4-speed hydromatic

The transmission is having problems, two really but i think they are related.

1. it spits transmission fluid from the filler tube, especially on downshifts during exeleration. this fluid then drips, sometimes pours onto the exhaust header on the passenger side, vaporizing. Basically causes a smoke screen.

2. The trans is also shifting wierd, like it is slipping at the end of second and doesn't shift into 4th (all the time)

I think i have the fluid level correct(at least before i go out and some gets ejected from the filler tube), this is at a level where it worked flawlessly for several years.

Does anyone have any bright ideas. Could it be that i have a clogged line somewhere? Does this happen ever? Could i add a some miracle additive that would solve my problem, any in particular work for anyone out there?

guess the my major question is how to go about diagnosing it? And is there anything i can try by means of not taking the thing out of the car, or surrendering it to a mechanic?

Next, if i need to take it to a mechanic is there really any chance of finding anyone in raleigh, nc that knows anything about this transmission? Does that matter?

If i were to take this somewhere how much do you think it would cost to rebuild it?

Any help is much apprieciated,

mike salmon

The fluid should only be at the 'full' line after the trans is fully warmed up. If the fluid level is too full, this can cause slipping and fluid ejection. The fluid on the dipstick may also have air bubbles in it if this is the case. If the trans has been run for too long with too much fluid, excess pressure can start destroying seals, etc, and send the can on its way to going kaboom. If the fluid level is correct, maybe the valvebody is trashed or the converter is not filling up?

I'm not familiar with the modulator valve on that tranny..........but it would be a good place to start when it comes to the shifting problems. Remove the vacuum line from the modulator valve (leave it connected to the vacuum source at the intake manifold), check for fluid in the line. If there is fluid, replace the valve. While you have the vacuum line removed, start the engine. Check to make sure that you have vacuum at the valve end of the hose. A problem with the valve or the vacuum will cause shifting problems, normally between low and second, but, it could be part of your problem. Good luck

Hi Mike, If this is a 4 speed Hydromatic, you do have some problems. There are several things it could be. Ok, what you should do first is take it to a shop that can do a pressure test. If the valve body is bad, and the little seals and O rings are gone, the thing will not shut off certain valves and the pan can actually get pumped full of fluid by the front pump. Obviously this fluid is being pulled from somewhere, and it is generally the fluid coupling (or as many call it wrongly in this trannie, the torque convertor) These transmissions use their clutches and bands to control the planetary gears via fluid pressure and servos. This transmission does not use a vacuum modulator, but does, if memory serves, use a mechanical linkage to vary 'Throttle pressure' in the valve body which in turn determines your shift points relative to throttle position. Anyway, I'm betting your valve body needs a rebuild. If you are going to do all that you might as well pull the thing and completely go through it. You're not going to want to hear this, but since you are a college student, I'm betting you are not exactly rolling in money at present. Unfortunately, you are not going to fix a transmission with the problems you described on the cheap. We are talking a minimum of $500.00. Most probably more unless you can remove the transmission and install it yourself. Since it is already screwy, you could try draining and refilling the thing with new fluid and cleaning the filter screen or replacing it. Then go to NAPA and get a bottle of this transmission fluid additive they have. It is in a dark red bottle and costs around $10.00. It is good stuff and many people and shops use it. Hey, it is about all you can do shy of rebuilding the thing. If it works better, leave it alone. If not, well? you tried. Next step is to rebuild it. Bill B.

This is the 'Controlled Coupling' Hydra-Matic, or as Oldsmobile called it: 'Jetaway'. It was a most troublesome transmission from its introduction in 1956. It was never reasonably improved until 1958. From the sounds of your problem, it needs to come out of the car, and be serviced by a mighty good transmission man, who knows this transmission. I had one on a '56 Cadillac, and had lots of troubles with it, back in the late 50's. It was out of the car 3 times with one thing or another wrong. They're nice when they're working properly, but they were a genuine fiasco, and in 1956, the general manager of Hydra-Matic Div. lost his job over this transmission. Wonder if you could get a transmission from another car and put it in yours, and get the car back on the road? If only you could install a Turbo-Hydramatic 400 on that engine, you'd really have something! I suspect that the bolt patterns would not be compatible. I wish I had better answers for you.