1956 Continental no forward movement

[GasWorksGarage]

Transmission works in reverse but not forward. Any thoughts? Burnt smelling fluid.

Thanks in advance

[Milsteads Garage]

Most likely it?s the forward clutches that are burned. This could have happened because of a misadjusted throttle valve rod or running type F fluid.

[Mark Norris]

Chilton's in period Fordomatic manual says for no forward drive, in order of likelihood;

1. Front band out of adjustment
2. Front servo not applying
3. Front clutch inoperative
4. Valves sticking in control valve
5. Improper hydraulic operating pressure
6. Pressure regulator faulty

Given the burnt smelling oil it would have to be 1 or 3, or both.

In any event obviously its a strip down job.

[GasWorksGarage]

Ok so I tore it down. Found this case cracked and someone tried to repair it using a cap screw. ( See pictures ) would this allow it to " breath " enough to let servos not function properly?208002080020801

[Egenolf]

In addition to lubrication, the ATF is also responsible for power transmission, the hydraulic valves and the function of the converter.

I always would change the fluid first before disassembling the gearbox, especially if the oil is burned.

[Milsteads Garage]

The case being cracked is a death sentence for that transmission and it happens more often than you think. I have a spare 57 transmission that works but I?m not so sure I want to part with it in the event mine quits working also.

[GasWorksGarage]

Milsteads Garage. How does one send a PM on this site? SMH?

[GasWorksGarage]

What would cause all the clutches in the forward drum to burn?

[Milsteads Garage]

Number 1 reason I think for the clutches to burn out would be the throttle valve rod being out of adjustment. This can happen if somebody messed with the carburetor and didn?t check the rest of the linkage adjustment. Also, everyone thinks it?s a kickdown rod when it controls all of your fluid pressures. They will burn clutches under pressurized and burn fluid/overheat overpressurized.

[GasWorksGarage]

Milsteads Garage
Are you referring to the detent rod? It is missing on this car. I wonder if that would have anything to do with it?

Also I saw where they said not to use Type F fluid. Type A isn't available what do you recommend using? Dexron 3?

Thanks for your time and input everyone.
It is much appreciated.

[Milsteads Garage]

The missing detent rod will be your smoking gun. I said to use Dextron because Type F has screwed up several pre-c6 transmissions I?ve owned. I?ve noticed with prolonged type F use it will absolutely ruin the clutches

[GasWorksGarage]

Thanks for the info. Now to find a detent rod.