Shifting the 49 Cadillac Hydramatic transmission

[Bill Bickle 15098]

I've had this car for a while and the transmission has always seemed to be very stiff through gear level changes, especially down into reverse. A pause at each gear level is necessary. Is this the way it should shift, with a short pause between each gear level; N  Dr  Lo    R ?

[Omarine]

That trans had mechanical reverse. I think hydraulic reverse started in 52.

If you have a high idle, like over 5 or 600 rpms, that could make it more difficult to shift gears especially reverse.

Cheers

[Jay Friedman]

Bill, I agree with Oscar.  According to the '49 shop manual the idle speed should be set to 375 rpm with the gear selector in "Dr" (and, of course, the hand brake pulled up). 

[Bill Bickle 15098]

Thanks Gentlemen.   I will check the idle.