Transmission / Overdrive: Rpm on D mode on 51 commander

[tsehisht]

Hi to all studebaker family
I tuned the the 232 engine to 550 rpm on N, when I shift to D the rpm going down too much, the engine almost shut down.
Any ideas way is it like that?
Thanks
Eyran from Israel

[dynolou2]

If you raise the idle rpm up to 600 does it still try to stall out the engine? Possibly a carburation problem, we must remember that todays fuels are much thinner,less specific gravity, to work with fuel injection systems. You may need to adjust idle speed and mixture screws to compensate,has any work been done to carb ? float levels? Lou Cote

[tsehisht]

It stall too much also on higher rpm , just cleaned the carb a few days ago, folat level is 39 mm, and the engine idle very smooth

[TWChamp]

Does the engine otherwise seem to have good normal power?

Does it accelerate well when you step down on it?

[r1lark]

The '51 would have a Detroit Gear automatic, which has a lock up torque converter. Is it possible that the torque converter is staying locked up all the time and dragging the engine down?

Hopefully someone who has more knowledge about these trannys than me will provide some feedback.

[BRUCESTUDE]

I'm just amazed that a bullet nose is cruising around Israel!

[tsehisht]

I think that on this tranny on D the car start from 2nd gear, on L The car accelerate nicely, but i fell it can be better, i thing im getting too much resistance from the tranny

[rockne10]

I think that on this tranny on D the car start from 2nd gear, on L The car accelerate nicely, but i fell it can be better, i thing im getting too much resistance from the tranny

You are correct. But it should also accelerate nicely in D if you push the pedal to the floor. My '51 Commander automatic has no problem reaching 72 mph (116 kmph) in second before shifting to high.

[doofus]

If the torque converter clutch was locked up wouldn't the engine die when dropped in gear? had a 55 decades ago that acted like this.drained converter and trans and refilled with kerosene and let soak. drained and refilled twice and problem went away. info came from an Old Timer who went to school on early auto trans repair. Luck Doofus

[studegary]

If the torque converter clutch was locked up wouldn't the engine die when dropped in gear? had a 55 decades ago that acted like this.drained converter and trans and refilled with kerosene and let soak. drained and refilled twice and problem went away. info came from an Old Timer who went to school on early auto trans repair. Luck Doofus

The engine won't even start in Park if the torque convertor is "locked-up".

[tsehisht]

Thank you doofus, interesting technique, let the kerosene soak for how long? Drain and Refill twice with oil or karosene?
Regards
Eyran

[doofus]

There are probably better products for this, it is a bit scary some of the old "Cures" the old timers came up with. do a pressure test and go through the diagnosis checks, may be a valve hanging in valve body. diagnosis is the key. Luck Doofus

[doofus]

Did some research in the really old manuals and sounds like a valve in governor section is hanging. add a good crud loosener to your trans fluid and drive it a while, something like Trans X will probably do the trick. follow directions on can. Good Luck, Doofus

[tsehisht]

to be honest, I don't know how many decades the ATF haven't been changed, I love the kerosene idea, just don't know if it will damage the old oil seals,
for how long did you soak it in? in the manual they say it can be governor valve or sticking direct drive clutch plate or piston.
eyran

[doofus]

Eyran, try just changing the atf in trans and converter. seems like there is a plug on converter, possibly top and bottom, removing both allows easier draining of converter. not sure what type products are available to you but quiz kamzak he is pretty good with lube info.next time i head to FLAPS i'll look around for a particular type,i'm on a first name basis with lots of counter types as i once worked in a FLAPS. dont kerosene it yet just try to drive it and heat it up. Luck Doofus