55 transmission

[G.Lucas]

Hello,I had my transmission rebuilt 2 years ago on my 1955 fleetwood.I was using the car a few days ago and found that under full accelleration  it would down shift and go to about 65-70 mph,but would not upshift passed this speed.If I eased off the accelerator it would shift and carry on.Oil level is good and the oil is not burnt.The trasmission has abuot 8000 miles since rebult. What cuold be malfunctioning, and is it easy to fix? Thanks,G.Lucas.

[Doug Houston]

From what you say, it appears that you have floored the accelerator into passing gear (Kickdown to third gear). When thats done, and the accelerator held down, the transmission is supposed to upshift to fourth at 65 MPH. Possibly, the governor in the transmission isnt working properly; I dont know. If the transmission is shifting properly otherwise, just ease off on the throttle at 65, and dont worry about it. It should be an unusual occasion that you have to push it to 65 at full throttle, anyway.

[G.Lucas]

Thanks Doug,But I am a lead foot and normally drive the car @70 to 85mph.Is the govenor valve easy to remove and repair?Can the transmission be letf in or removed to make the repair?Thanks,G.L.

[Doug Houston]

The transmission will have a side cover on it, where the control valve body and the governor are located. Youll remove the selector lever and TV lever, then remove the 10 or 12 screws. You will not drain the transmission to do this.  Youll need a new gasket for when you replace the cover. The governor is the gadget with a weight on it behind the valve body. Its simple, and the little valve plug in it should be free to slide in its bore. if the governor isnt working properly. possibly this little valve is sticking. Good luck on it.