Re: Henry's 55 Constellation

Posted by HH56 On 2009/10/21 16:49:21

Assuming no springs inserted, valves should all move freely of their own weight. Really would not waste time on that trans though as it looks and sounds trashed & sat in water too long. Don't think you can repair the broken spring locator without distorting body-- but maybe. Hopefully someone comes thru with one close and reasonable.

If you do work on it, then the entire valve body except valves, springs, end & separator plates is pot metal. There's the odd piece of aluminum here or there but for practical purposes consider anything connected with or to valve body all pot metal. I would not send that anywhere for any kind of process. Try getting a shallow pan with some kerosene or solvent, letting it sit for a day or so and then use nylon brushes in the bores--something like a bottle or gun brush. Air to blow it out and fine nylon scrubber if needed to polish---nothing with lint. Take particular care when working with the low range servo. Those springs are pretty hefty so make some kind of holder per what the one in book looks like. If the valves still don't co-operate, then I think the water has corroded the pot metal to a point beyond saving.

The rest of the trans hard parts is steel or cast iron except bellhousing, bushings and again, the odd piece of aluminum or plastic.