1956. Transmission leaking, reverse does not engage | Ford Thunderbird forum club group 1955-2005 models

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1956. Transmission leaking, reverse does not engage

  • Thread starter Thread starter George Clayton
  • Start date Start date
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George Clayton

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Thunderbird Year
1956
We pulled the engine and transmission. The car would not engage in reverse unless the engine warmed up a very long time. Changed all the seals and gaskets in the transmission. Reinstalled the engine and transmission and the transmission still leaks when the engine is started..have no idea what to try next. The latest leak appears to be at the junction of the extension and transmission. Help needed..

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I am not an expert on the early transmissions, but the cast iron cruise o matics would crack the the case and leak where you are describing and not have reverse.
Maybe @doug7740 will chime in.
 
If the car would not go into reverse unless the engine was warmed up the problem is with either the rear clutch or rear band.
Application Chart.jpg
So, the question is; when the car would not go into reverse did the transmission leak fluid then? If not, it must be something that you did when you rebuilt the transmission.

The Ford-O-Matic used a cast-iron case. If the case threads weren’t re-tapped and cleaned sometimes when you are tightening the bolts it can cause the case to snap and crack.

doug7740
1955 Thunderbird Blue
 
I assume if you put the car in Low it won't forward either. These cars normally start off in 2nd gear, not low
 
Thanks for the responses. Just finished fixing the leaks in the transmission. The car will only go in reverse when high RPMS are achieved. Eventually, after 30 seconds or so of high rpms the car will very slowly back up and then suddenly it will slam into reverse. About to pull the engine/tranny for the 3rd time and repair/replace the current transmission. Giving up hope of any other options succeeding.
 
Where was the transmission leaking and how did you repair the leaks?

Before you remove the engine and transmission for the 3rd time are you sure you adjusted the bands correctly?

FRONT BAND ADJUSTMENT:

1. With the transmission oil pan removed, back off the adjusting screw lock nut and adjusting screw far enough to insert a ¼” wide metal block in between the servo piston rod and the adjusting screw.

2. Turn the screw until it contacts the metal block. Then tighten screw a little more to about 10 inch pounds and back off one turn.

3. While holding the adjustment screw in position, tighten the lock nut down to 20–25 foot pounds.

REAR BAND ADJUSTMENT:

1. Loosen the lock nut and tighten the adjusting screw to 10 foot pounds.

2. Back of the adjusting screw 1 ½ turns and tighten the lock nut to a torque of 35-40 foot pounds.

doug7740
1955 Thunderbird Blue

Band Adjustment Points.jpg
 
Thank you Doug. We followed the instructions in the Fordomatic manual. But, before we pulled it today, we will follow your instructions very carefully.
 
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