1946-1949 1949 Hydramatic reverse issue

[kidclerk]

When I try to put my 1949 Series 61 in reverse, I can't put the shifter in "R" without first moving forward a tad bit.  Even moving forward an inch frees up the transmission (or whatever the problem is) and allows the shifter to then go into reverse.  I'm not having any other issues with the transmission that I'm aware of.  Should I be concerned with this or just deal with the annoyance?

[Jay Friedman]

It may be (the key word is "may") that your engine idle speed is too high.  It should be 375 rpm. 

[kidclerk]

Thanks, Jay.  Would that only affect reverse since it goes into drive and low ok?  I'll maybe adjust the idle down and see if it makes a difference.

[TonyZappone #2624]

That is exactly the way it is suppose to be.  I have had 6 or 7 of these post war Hydros, that's how they are. You only have to go an inch or so, and it slips right in.  Many of these cars have bent shift levers from people trying to force them.

[kidclerk]

Thanks, Tony. That makes me feel a lot more comfortable that nothing serious is wrong with my transmission.

[toybox]

Tony is correct. The first genoration Hydramatics use what is called a blocker ring on reverse. In the manuals it says to put the lever in drive be fore shifting into reverse. This brings the blocker ring to a stop and allows a smooth shift into revers  Also to save wear and tear do not put the lever in reverse for parking until the engine is shut off. Tim