Hydromatic boo-boo, can we fix it?

[caddychris]

The other day I helped my buddy pull his motor out of his 51 Caddy. In the process of separating the trans from the engine, the tranny fell on the floor and busted off the kick-down shaft. Are we screwed or what? Neither one of us know much about transmisions, so I don't know how hard it is going to be to fix. Wat can I do to help him out?

[warbird]

Did you break the shaft that actuates the throttle valve inside the valve body or just the lever that attaches to the outer end of the shaft? If you just broke the lever, you can just weld it up. The shaft would be another story, probably need a new one, though you might be able to weld it then file or turn the OD back to size.

warbird

[Blownolds]

Heavy, aren't they? Next time use a sofa cushion.

Sounds like you'll have to search up either an arm or a valve body. If it;s the arm that broke, it's probably also bent and good luck getting it back to the right position. Also good luck finding any of these arms in good condition anywhere except on a parts car where the tranny has never been sliding around and banging the arms up.

Maybe try Cad's of the '40's. Or all the old car yards. First do some homework and see if that arm fits any other models/years. Good luck.

[caddychris]

The shaft broke off right behind the lever, flush with the shifter lever. As for welding the shaft back together, I'm afraid I'll weld the kickdown to the shifter and then I'll really be screwed. Yeah, I wish it was just the lever, I can get one of those pretty easy at the junkyard. Thanks for your help. But I'm afraid surgery is necessary, and I wanted to know how difficult it's going to be.

[caddychris]

Couch cusion? And all this time I've been using my head to break the fall. Maybe thats why Ive got two "Help me!" posts tonight.

[yorgatron]

i think you might have to take blownolds advice,and dig up the part.if you get desperate send it to me and i'll see if i can fix it-george

[Blownolds]

What are the codes stamped in the Hydramatic tag on the trans? I'll see what is an exact match-up for the valve body.

[shifts]

caddychris, you should be able to handle this job if youre VERY careful when you remove the valve body. It has either 3 or 4 little feed pipes that you must be real careful not to bend. Take valve body cover off the side of trans & remove valve body by gently pulling the tubes out of governor housing. Again, be very careful not to bend them. I'm sure I've got the shaft you need if you cant find one near you. Feel free to call me if you need more info. I could fax you a good blowup of this if you like too. My shop # is (715) 835-1628 Mon-Fri Dave