Transmission / Overdrive: flight 0 matic issue ???

[30seagrave]

Still working on getting the '62 GT roadworthy, Took it out on the road and at 60 the engine sounds awfully busy, unfortunately no tach so I can not say how busy. I understand that with the v8s, in drive it is a 2 speed. I can feel a slight upshift at around 10mph but seems to be the only one. At what speed, under moderate acceleration would a flight-o-matic shift from 2nd to 3rd? Trying to figure if I need to go see the AT specialist?

[JimC]

Your transmission, like mine, is a three speed. If your shift indicator is in "D", assuming the linkage is set up correctly, you will start in second, and shift to third. First gear is only engaged automatically if you start in "L", and won't normally be used in typical driving situations. Your shift time is pretty close to what I recall seeing in the shop manual, though I don't have it with me here to confirm that.

[Corvanti]

what JimC says...

to confirm that, start off in the "L" position to around 10mph and shift into "D". it should shift into 2nd - maybe momentarily, then to 3rd.

then check the differential for its "gearing" specs. i'd think that's where the problem of high revs at speed may be.

for more info, you may want to post in the "Tech Talk" section of the forums. the experts will help!

[63 R2 Hawk]

Shift point should be adjustable via a linkage from the throttle bellcrank to the trans. Mine shifts around 14 mph or so on modest acceleration, higher if I put my foot in it.....

[Roscomacaw]

Yeah, the throttle pressure rod (from the accelerator linkage to the second lever on the side of the tranny - different for 65 & 66 models) can be adjusted to change the shift point. One thing that hasn't been said here is that FIRST is also experienced (or should be) when you tromp the gas pedal decisively to the floor from a standstill. Again, this can be affected by improper throttle pressure adjustment. Of course, if you've got 3.73 or 4.10 or even higher gears at the rear - it's gonna be great fun from a standstill, but really busy past 50!

[HAWK64]

Shift point from 2 to 3 as recommended by Studebaker is 18 to 22 mph under light throttle on a level road.

[Milaca]

I too have a 1962 GT Hawk with automatic and it sounds like it is revving too high at highway speed, though I can feel it shift through all of the gears. The car doesnt appear to have its original cooling fan and it may be causing some of the excessive noise at high speed. I will swap it out this week and see (hear) if it makes a difference.

[Milaca]

I removed the six-blade fan from the Hawk tonight and installed an original type four-blade fan. I drove it to town for fuel and noticed that it is much quieter now at highway speed with the less agressive fan. It might overheat now, but at least it is quieter.

[jackb]

M-if your car overheats, you've got a cooling problem beyond the fan type. It would be interesting to know what gear set is out back on your GT.....

[Jim B PEI]

When I had my 60 Hawk with Flight-o-matic the 2-3 shift was about 15-18 mph and because of the mechanical train and fan noise it always sounded busy, even at 50. It would hit and cruise at 80 mph easily though. I'm wondering about your fan...would a 62 GT have the viscous fan? The tradeoff on those would that they would move faster at lower speeds to improve cooling and then 'slip' somewhere at about 2500? 3000? RPM so that its wouldn't be quite so loud at highway speeds with lots of air flowing through. I had the idea that the viscous fans get old and 'seize' so that they no longer slip, and that then is a problem with finding a replacement viscous coupling.

[30seagrave]

I'm going to pick up a dwell-tach and see if I can get some idea of the RPMs at 50 or 60. That should do something to give me the answer that I am looking for. All above comments are greatly appreciated.....Fred

[jackb]

3.31 R/A ratio hums along @ 1800-2000 RPM's around 60mph....if I recall

[30seagrave]

Figured out that the rear axle is somewhere around a 3.50. by the jack it up and turn the wheel and watch the drive shaft method. With the dwell tach hooked up and through the vent window, 2500 rpm seems to be an indicated 50 mph. which seems to be buzzing along pretty good. Of course, not sure how accurate the speedometer is as wit waves quite a bit.

[StudeRich]

The Studebaker Dana 44 Axles came in: 3.07, 3.31, 3.54, 3.73, 4.09, 4.27 and 4.55 it is possible this one is a 3.54 or 3.73 which is better suited for Overdrive, not Automatic for Street/Interstate driving.

If there is no ratio Tag on any of the rear cover bolts, you can remove the Cover and read the ratio stamped into the Ring Gear.

[SN-60]

The Studebaker Dana 44 Axles came in: 3.07, 3.31, 3.54, 3.73, 4.09, 4.27 and 4.55 it is possible this one is a 3.54 or 3.73 which is better suited for Overdrive, not Automatic for Street/Interstate driving.

If there is no ratio Tag on any of the rear cover bolts, you can remove the Cover and read the ratio stamped into the Ring Gear.

Rich....Don't forget the '56GH Type 44 ratio of 3.92-1 on the O/D job!!