51 DG200 transmission woes

[StudeMann]

Help!

I am new to the SDC. I recently bought a 51 Land Cruiser and had it shipped via an open car hauler from Pittspurgh, PA to Victoria, BC, Canada. The car was loaded facing forward at the very front on the top level and was apparently at a fairly steep forward angle. This seemed to induce a leak of about 2 quarts of ATF over about 3 weeks as the carrier travelled around picking up other vehicles.

I have now received the car and topped up the ATF level but the transmission will not shift into reverse. The fellow who sold me the car spent $1000 on transmission work within the last 2 years and everything was fine when the car was picked up by the carrier. I will miss the Pacific CanAM Zone meet as a result of this tranny problem so I'm bummed. What would likely be leaking and what do I need to do to get the transmission functioning properly again?

[StudeRich]

Have you ran the engine a while and put the Trans. though all of the gears both parked and driving? That would be to get fluid back where it needs to be and bleed out any air.

Did you find out from the Former owner if the trans has type F, FA, or the GM stuff, Dexron II or whatever so you could add the same?

It may not be a bad idea to drain the converter and the case and refill with a good quality of ATF and keep some in the trunk so you'll know what Brand & type to add or use when changing trans oil.

StudeRich
Studebakers Northwest
Ferndale, WA

[Dick Steinkamp]

quote:Originally posted by StudeMann
As for the ATF, I'm afraid I didn't check to see what the previous owner had used and topped it up with Dexron III/Mercron fluid.

My guess is that is what the PO used. It is the most common and the one usually recommended as a modern replacement for the DGs.

You might want to check the trans linkage to make sure it is actually going into reverse at the transmission. Jack up the car. Put it into reverse at the column. Crawl underneath and disconnect the linkage at the trans. See if the arm will travel further into the reverse detent. Adjust if necessary.

[StudeMann]

Thanks,

I ran the engine and shifted it through the gears while it was running but only when parked. It was unloaded from the trailer facing down my driveway and is now inside my garage at the bottom of the driveway. Since reverse isn't engaging I can't back it up the driveway to get it on the road. It looks like I might need to call a tow truck or enlist the help of some burly neighbors to push it back up the driveway.

As for the ATF, I'm afraid I didn't check to see what the previous owner had used and topped it up with Dexron III/Mercron fluid. Will that cause any damage in the short term until I can get it going and have it drained and refilled with the proper fluid?

[StudeMann]

Thanks Dick!

I checked the linkage and found that I needed to back things out about 1/4". Fantastic! I'm rolling now!

Thanks to all!

Jim & Yvonne Mann
Victoria, BC

[StudeRich]

As Dick said, it probably is not a big deal, because it is most likely all Mercron anyway!

The fluid is not going to cause any real harm or cause reverse to be out.

quote:Originally posted by StudeMann


As for the ATF, I'm afraid I didn't check to see what the previous owner had used and topped it up with Dexron III/Mercron fluid. Will that cause any damage in the short term until I can get it going and have it drained and refilled with the proper fluid?

StudeRich
Studebakers Northwest
Ferndale, WA