200-4r problem

[rayy]

I just picked upa 1968 Chevy pickup it has a 454 with a 200-4r trans. When taking off first to second gear is ok but when going into third it just falls into third not as firm as the 1-2 shift. Also when the truck goes into overdrive at about 50mph it jerks real bad. I have bypassed the vac switch for a toggle just to see if it made a change. It might have helped the overdrive problem but did nothing for the 2-3 shift(i did not think it would). I have never had a 200 trans before. Fluid level is ok and not discolored. Thanks for the help

[megaladon6]

double check the TV cable adjustment-- http://www.tvmadeez.com/tvinstadj.php the TV can NOT be "tweeked" to adjust the trans shift point or quality, but people keep trying

[Jake's Performance]

double check the TV cable adjustment-- http://www.tvmadeez.com/tvinstadj.php the TV can NOT be "tweeked" to adjust the trans shift point or quality, but people keep trying

Actually the cable can be "tweeked" to alter shift points or quality, that is exactly what the TVmadeEZ kit does it use a longer TV plunger spring and an alterable cable pull to adjust trans shift point and quality.

There is a very limited range that you can do this with however and the length of the TV plunger spring and overall pressure regulator setup has a large effect on what you can get by with.

[megaladon6]

with the kit you may be able to tweek things, but if it's stock?
it's my understanding that it's a one time set and drive.

[rayy]

I might give that a shot. I have never set one before. Is it very hard?

[megaladon6]

it's really easy. buried somewhere in the link is the info, i'll look again.
i thought the link was just adjustment, not install too--sorry.
also, see what carb you have and if not an 80's q-jet if it has a correcter kit.

[megaladon6]

http://www.gnttype.org/techarea/transmission/tvcable.html
here's a simpler link

[Jake's Performance]

Even with a stock setup there is usually some allowance for adjustment.

Look at the Bowtie Overdrives site's explanation for the TV system function.
Specifically look at the LSS or Long Spring Syndrome.
They are building this into their TV system.
It is also usually already built into the factory transmission just at a lesser extent.

The TV plunger spring is slightly longer than it needs to be, so that when you adjust it to the "GM recommended" method you just linked to, 95% of the time it will be a bit too tight and the part throttle shifts will be late and hard.

This is a good thing, one because it allows some adjustment, and two because it allows for spring fatigue.

You adjust to the GM method for initial test drive.
Ideally you have a pressure guage attached.

You then drive it and adjust it for proper shifting. Typically you will need to back it out a couple of clicks or around 1/8th inch.

The most critical thing is to see instant pressure rise on the gauge from idle. As long as you don't loosen it up to the point you don't have instant pressure rise off idle, it will be OK.