|
By Threat51 - 11 Years Ago
|
Hi I have a 56 mercury auto 2 speed.question is when it is drive is it suppose to shift?Or just stay in that gear.Only have drive and low on indicater.
ThanksbBob
|
|
By oldave57 - 11 Years Ago
|
The Fordomatic (or Mercomatic in your case) is actually a 3-speed transmission. If you leave the shift selector in the drive position, the transmission will start out from a stop in 2nd gear and shift once to 3rd gear. If you move the shift selector to the Low position, it will start and stay in low until you move the selector to the drive position when it will shift to 2nd or 3rd depending on the speed when you make the shift.
In the "good old days" when we were kids and I had a 57 Ford similar to the one I own today, I would start in low and floor the accelerator to 30 or 40 MPH, then shift to drive with the pedal still on the floor, then shift immediately back to low which would "lock" the transmission in 2nd gear until you would shift again from low to drive at a higher speed (usually around 70) and the transmission would shift from 2nd to 3rd. I don't do that any more since I no longer get in drag races, but it worked at the time.
Regards,
Dave
|
|
By paul2748 - 11 Years Ago
|
Also, if you ":Floor it" when stopped it will automatically go into low
|
|
By Threat51 - 11 Years Ago
|
|
I don't think mine is doing that 70 mph is when it shifts?is there a way to check to see if it shifts mabe an adjustment? Any ideas?
|
|
By Hoosier Hurricane - 11 Years Ago
|
|
You can adjust the length of the rod between the bellcrank on the intake manifold and the transmission to change the shift points. That 70 mph shift is a forced shift, in normal driving the shift at light throttle is somewhere in the 15-30 mph range, it varies with throttle position. At full throttle it will probably be in the 50 mph area.
|
|
By oldave57 - 11 Years Ago
|
The following shift point information is from a Fordomatic shop manual that covers 1956-1957 model years. I assume that the Mercury transmission would be very similar in shift point speeds. I would copy the entire shift point table, but can't seem to manage posting pictures.
The 1956 shift points for 272 and 292 engines is dependent also on the axle ratio:
3.22 axle ratio
1-2 shift at max throttle is 34-42 MPH
2-3 shift at min throttle is 12-20 MPH
2-3 shift at max throttle is 60-67 MPH
3.55 axle ratio
1-2 shift at max throttle is 32-38 MPH
2-3 shift at min throttle is 11-18 MPH
2-3 shift at max throttle is 54-61 MPH
The shift point speeds I was describing earlier were indeed a manual or forced shift and not the automatic transmission shift points.
Hope this helps.
Dave
|
|
By Threat51 - 11 Years Ago
|
So it should shift into the finel gear about 35 mph or 40. Do I have to lengthen it or short ton the rod?Is there a adjusting nut or how do you adjust? Sorry for all the questons never had to do this before.Should be able to feel it shift right?
Thanks Bob
|
|
By lyonroad - 11 Years Ago
|
|
oldave57 (8/12/2014)
In the "good old days" when we were kids and I had a 57 Ford similar to the one I own today, I would start in low and floor the accelerator to 30 or 40 MPH, then shift to drive with the pedal still on the floor, then shift immediately back to low which would "lock" the transmission in 2nd gear until you would shift again from low to drive at a higher speed (usually around 70) and the transmission would shift from 2nd to 3rd. I don't do that any more since I no longer get in drag races, but it worked at the time.
Regards,
Dave
Did that too in my '65 Mustang. I don't remember what speed I shifted at. I did it by ear. I don't do it anymore either because I no longer have the car or that kind of tranny.
|
|
By Hoosier Hurricane - 11 Years Ago
|
|
According to the above chart, under light throttle it should be in high gear at 20 mph or less. To adjust the rod, you loosen a jam nut at the clevis on the top of the rod, take the clevis off its lever and turn it. Go easy. A full turn will make a significant change in shift speed. But we need to know, is the car taking off in 3rd gear, or is it taking off in 2nd and failing to shift to third? If it is shifting at a very low speed, the shift will be very soft, maybe not noticeable. If you suspect this is the case, lengthen the kickdown rod and try again.
|
|
By Threat51 - 11 Years Ago
|
So I back off the kick down lever 1 full turn ? Lol I don't no what I'm starting off in just seems like the motor is running to many rpms at 55 don't have a tack just seems like it should shift ?No it's not in low put it in low and low is low.
Thanks Bob
|
|
By Threat51 - 11 Years Ago
|
|
Do they just seem to run at higher rpm? Mabe it is shifting and I don't realize it ?
|
|
By Daniel Jessup - 11 Years Ago
|
|
Follow Hoosier's advice and take a look at that shaft that is connected to your transmission. There should be two shafts - one to shift your gears and one to keep fluid pressure through the system so that it shifts at the right point (I think that is idea anyhow - anyone want to correct me here go ahead). Anyhow on the driver's side of that bellcrank attached to your manifold is that clevis that Hoosier spoke of. If you remove the cotter pin from the bellcrank you can take the bracket and spin it on the rod - the top of that rod that goes to your trans is threaded. If you LENGTHEN THE ROD you will see faster/harder shift points. If you SHORTEN THE ROD you will see slower/softer shift points. Obviously the rod is lengthened or shortened by turning that small "L" shaped bracket on the end of the rod. Remember though, a little goes a long way. I would try one full turn at a time, drive it, note the difference and keep going until it is shifting the way you want it to.
|
|
By 2721955meteor - 11 Years Ago
|
re shift points.Go to a library and get hold of a motors repair manual,it shows how to properly set the throtle and throttel pressure rod. i have 1 but cant seem to master the picture thing.basic ther is a hole in the bracket that alighnes the tp lever and throttel position. you insert a drill bit inthe hole remove the tp pin and adjust the clevice.if you do not have axcess to the manual i can coppey and email the pages,these trannys work real well if adjusted properly. just did the adjust for a bud on a 55merc,2/3 throttle and it will start in low nice crisp into 2. my email is ct1940@shaw.ca surpriseing how maney think they are a 2spd |
|
By Talkwrench - 11 Years Ago
|
|
Just remember that bell crank can have a mind of its own if not properly setup with correct springs and lubed well. Also there is a hole in it so you can line everything up to start with. You'll have to do a search.. or someone maybe kind enough to find a link for you ; o )
|
|
By Threat51 - 11 Years Ago
|
|
Ok so if I don't think it is shifting I shorton the rod is thar correct?
|
|
By Daniel Jessup - 11 Years Ago
|
|
If it is not shifting, INCREASE THE LENGTH of the rod. This will mean that the transmission will shift sooner... if it is not shifting at all, the rod is not keeping enough tension on the lever on the side of your transmission and will need more turns than just one at the "L" shaped bracket. That small lever on the side of your transmission is SPRING LOADED... the rod pushes against the lever once you actuate the throttle. You may want to have someone get in the car and mash the accelerator pedal for you while you get under the hood and check to see if the tension rod is moving.
|
|
By charliemccraney - 11 Years Ago
|
|
Threat51 (8/13/2014)
Do they just seem to run at higher rpm?...
It's not an overdrive. You mentioned 70mph. The motor is in the neighborhood of 3000rpm at 70. If that happens to be what you call a "higher RPM," then yes.
|
|
By Threat51 - 11 Years Ago
|
Not sure on rpm I guess I'll pick up a tack to see just where I'm at.
Thanks Bob
|
|
By oldcarmark - 11 Years Ago
|
|
Daniel Jessup (8/14/2014)
If it is not shifting, INCREASE THE LENGTH of the rod. This will mean that the transmission will shift sooner... if it is not shifting at all, the rod is not keeping enough tension on the lever on the side of your transmission and will need more turns than just one at the "L" shaped bracket. That small lever on the side of your transmission is SPRING LOADED... the rod pushes against the lever once you actuate the throttle. You may want to have someone get in the car and mash the accelerator pedal for you while you get under the hood and check to see if the tension rod is moving.
Here is a Pic of the adjustment procedure from the Fordomatic(Mercomatic) Shop Manual.Note that the MAXIMUM # of turns to lengthen the Rod is(4). 3 is the preferred length.By the way I have 2 print versions of the Fordomatic Transmission Manuals listed on Ebay if anyone would like to have their own complete Manual.Items #'s 191278727242 and 271570708860.
|
|
By snowcone - 11 Years Ago
|
|
The shifts are also controlled by the governor and if this sticks then it will not upshift from 2nd to 3rd.
You can access the governor and remove it for inspection and/or cleaning through the small hatch on the R/H side of the extension housing
There are 2 slotted head screws holding the cover. Once removed there are 2 bolts (can't remember what size they are but close to 7/16 socket probably) holding the governor body on.
When you get it out the valve should move back and forward freely Be careful not to drop the bolts in the extension housing when removing or refitting the governor.
|
|
By Threat51 - 11 Years Ago
|
Thanks if it's easy to get at I might check that out before I adjust the rod.Going to check rpms also
Before I get to deep in adjustments lol
Thanks Bob
|
|
By DryLakesRacer - 11 Years Ago
|
|
My 56 shifts into high from 2nd right at 15 when I'm crusin' in town. Ol' 292 moves it just fine just as I remember it in 1960 driving my moms on dates back then. Freeways out here don't like me driving at 55/60 but TS. The speed limit in Ca. was 55 mph when the car was new and for some reason I'm still living back in that time. A higher gear to 3.00 's if I changed the rear end would probably just screw it up but an AOD might be nice someday....
|
|
By snowcone - 11 Years Ago
|
|
Threat51 (8/19/2014)
Thanks if it's easy to get at I might check that out before I adjust the rod.Going to check rpms also
Before I get to deep in adjustments lol
Thanks Bob
Well I didn't say it was easy to get at 
Rear mount is a PITA as it is in the way but it is doable with the right screwdriver
|
|
By 2721955meteor - 11 Years Ago
|
|
the throtle presure is the key to transmition not failing.if the rod is to short trans presure is low,and early shifts can and will cause clutch sliping and early failure. ther is more to proper adjustement than rod lenkth. the foot feed has to be corect,the linkage on the intake must be free to over centre and alow proper down shidt and trans presures. so again get the proper info and follow the steps,you will be hapey and the trans will work well(unless it is alreadey fried).have worked on a number with fried clutches and most alwayes way out of ajustement
|
|
By Threat51 - 11 Years Ago
|
|
Don't think it's shifting 3000 rpm at 55 ?
|