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By Half-dude - 9 Years Ago
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Hey guys just a quick question since transmissions are really not my forte and I'd like to avoid having to do any serious repairs in the future.
My 55 is a Ford-o-Matic car, and it had an empty transmission pan when we got her. It was a big issue for awhile trying to decide what fluid to fill it with since everyone online seems to say conflicting opinions on the issue. But that's not the issue, the car is up and running now and at this time I just have a general question.
Whenever I'm driving the car at normal highish speed say maybe around 40mph and I slow to a stop. If it's a relatively rapid stop, I'll notice right at the end when the car is about to come to a complete stop. I'll hear a somewhat subtle whirling sound and then a clunk as the transmission, I'm assuming, downshifts into 2nd.. I believe I've heard the first gear on those trannys is 2nd?
Anyway I'm just curious on weather or not this is normal operation or more importantly a normal sound. It's not a grinding sound of any kind just kind of a mechanical whirl and it's the only time I ever hear it is when slowing to a stop. I've heard that if you use certain tranny fluids it can cause "hard shifting" so I'm wondering if that's what it that is, or if I'm fine.
Thanks a lot for the info!
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By MoonShadow - 9 Years Ago
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The Ford O does have 3 gears. If your linkage is properly adjusted it will actually start off in 1st under heavy throttle. You may be hearing a downshift to 1st?
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By DryLakesRacer - 9 Years Ago
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May need a band or whatever they call it on the ford o matic. One is in the pan the other is near the top of the trans on the passenger side.
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By snowcone - 9 Years Ago
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Sounds normal to me.
As the speeds slows the governor will be controlling the downshift back to second.
The transmission will make a whirring sound as this occurs.
If set up correctly it should start normally in second.
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By lowrider - 9 Years Ago
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I had a 56 Customline w/a Fordo way back in '68 and it would make that whirring noise you described when you put it in gear or slowed down to a stop. Never clunked though. I know if the tv linkage from the carb to the trans isn't adjusted correctly it could make the clunking noise you described. It will usually be accompanied with poor shifting on acceleration. If it's shifting ok I wouldn't worry about it. If you have a shop manual there's a description to adjust the tv linkage that's pretty easy to follow.
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By Half-dude - 9 Years Ago
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lowrider (5/12/2016)
I know if the tv linkage from the carb to the trans isn't adjusted correctly it could make the clunking noise you described. It will usually be accompanied with poor shifting on acceleration. I don't know, I'm still running everything stock with the Holley 4000 teapot, I don't believe it has a TV cable. 
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By PF Arcand - 9 Years Ago
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With the engine & trans fully warm, recheck that the oil level is between the appropriate marks..& you never stated which fluid you selected? Originally Ford specified type "A", which is now closest to Dectron II or III. Some have used type "F" & claim it works o.k,. but it isn't what was spec'd..
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By Talkwrench - 9 Years Ago
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Depending on how bad it is try turning the throttle position sensing rod - otherwise known as "the kick down rod" 1 turn down [clockwise ] and see what happens?
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