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Quote:

Kev,

I tend to agree with you that it is probably a transmission related problem. I was thinking a stuck governor. What do you think?

(o[]o)

it has fresh spark plugs. so assuming its transmission related whats my first recommended step of action? i have already changed the tranny fluid not the filter etc idk how to do it right or location yet and my computer refuses to load the manual on here

do you happen to know if this trans is vaccume assisted of anything like that? i dont see any lines from the trans to vaccume anywhere

and if im suppose to run it in high it sputters and laggs in the pick up wont make it up my hill ether

There is no filter. Just a fine mesh screen. You will most likely need a new gasket when removing the pan so might order one before attempting anything inside. Since you have new fluid, I'd get the engine running better and just drive a bit more (without really pushing anything) to get a feel for operation before doing anything to the trans.

If you have the glass bowl fuel filter, those ceramic elements have been a source of problem. They get clogged and dirty fairly easily if the gas is old or has rust. If the car sat and gas evaporated in the bowl, the filter could be clogged with varnish. A soak in acetone has been recommended if that's a possibility. Another case where a gasket will probably be needed if opened though.

EDIT: there is no vacuum to trans. All is controlled by the throttle linkage at rear passenger side of engine. A long funny looking bent rod from an arm on the cross shaft down to trans. That linkage is one of the most important adjustments on the trans.

Has the trans been re-built? If not then it is definitely due in for a re-build. I'm sure the seals on it are bad, as well as the friction discs. The fact that it struggles going up hill is a tell tale sign that the seals are probably bad. I've re-built several trannys with that same problem, and it always seems to be seals.

-GearRat

keep in mind im a 20 year old trying to keep a project, is there a cheeper alternative for the time being?? i think im going to drive it a bit more see if i can push it out. any de gummer adatives recommended?

G'day (gman53)Garrett,
to PackardInfo. Sorry but don't have any advice for you, I'll leave that to the more knowledgeable here. However I invite you to include your '53 Cavalier in the Packard Owner's Registry here on PackardInfo.

Hi Garrett, I consider that you have a few stuck valves in your trans valve bodies. You may have a stuck low/high shuttle valve. I doubt that you have a stuck direct drive clutch. It is not a difficult job, just fiddley. You don't have to remove the trans, just drop the pan and remove the valve bodies. You then strip and free up the valves which are accessible, as per the overhaul instructions. The instructions are at info .com in the technical instructions for the Ultra and include photo's of the valves/ springs etc. You do need to make up two T pieces which bolt to the lower trans casting and slip under the low and reverse servos to prevent them from dropping the connecting links when you remove the valve bodies. You also need a very small inch pound torque wrench as it is most important to torque the valve bodies to 5 and 9 ft-lbs as required. It is a PIA lying on your back with the veh on ramps, but it is quite doable. It would cost a few hundred $ to get a shop to do it and they are generally not versed in the Ultra. Have a go yourself and we shall help if we are able. best regards Peter Toet

Easy now boys, you will give poor Garrett heart seizure. Reading back through it sure seems as simple as a fuel delivery problem; just enough to idle or only just pull a light load but not enough for any real work.

If the Ultramatic has the famous stuck governor problem the engine will die when placed in gear just as if you had let the clutch out too fast on a stick shift.

Garrett, your fuel system needs to put out a good strong shot of gas with that electric pump running; check it into a jar by disconnecting at the carb.

Of course, you could also have a clogged screen at the carb entrance (under the big brass 3/4") or the swollen needle valve syndrome in the carb, or just the floats set WAY to low.