1948 DeSoto fluid drive won't shift, grinds

['48 DeSoto]

I just bought this 1948 Desoto. It won't go into first, and when it is nuetural when you go to shift from nuetural to 2nd it grinds gears and from 2nd to 3rd it will grind gears.What can be done to correct this problem?

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ubb

[Gary]

Sounds like the clutch is not dis-engaging completely, and it's likely the synchronizers are shot. You can adjust the throw of the clutch, but it's probably time for a rebuild.

['48 DeSoto]

Originally posted by Gary:
Sounds like the clutch is not dis-engaging completely, and it's likely the synchronizers are shot. You can adjust the throw of the clutch, but it's probably time for a rebuild.

['48 DeSoto]

Originally posted by Stu. Rein:

Gary where can I purchase synchronizers for the DeSoto fluid Drive Trans.? Do you have a source? I would appreciate any information that you have to help. I wanted to take a second and thank you for your help. Regards Stu.

[Gary]

http://classicar.com/clubs/plymouth/home.htm http://classicar.com/clubs/plymouth/home.htm
Stu, I've been out of the flathead business for many years, but you can try these sites, and I'm sure someone can lead you to a source.

['48 DeSoto]

Thanks Gary I will try the web sites, Regards Stu.

Originally posted by Gary:
http://classicar.com/clubs/plymouth/home.htm http://classicar.com/clubs/plymouth/home.htm
Stu, I've been out of the flathead business for many years, but you can try these sites, and I'm sure someone can lead you to a source.

[Gary]

www.forwardlook.net

Ooops! This should have been one of the sites. Sorry 'bout that!

[Dennis Jokela]

YOUR 48 DESOTO CAN HAVE ON OF TWO TRANSMISSIONS, BOTH ARE FLUID DRIVE. ONE HAS A FLUID COUPLING AND A STANDARD THREE SPEED TRANSMISSION WITH NO LOW GEAR. IT ONLY HAS REVERSE, SECOND, AND THIRD. THE SECOND AND MOST COMMON ONE WAS A HYDRAULIC BOX WITH ELECTRIC SOLENOIDS FOR SHIFTING. IF YOU HAVE THIS TRANSMISSION CHECK YOUR IDLE SPEED. IT HAS TO IDLE ABOUT 500 RPM IN ORDER TO SHIFT. I SUSPECT THAT YOU HAVE THE FIRST TYPE , BECAUSE IT GRINDS WHEN YOU CHANGE GEARS. MOST LIKELY A CLUTCH ADJ. WILL TAKE CARE OF MOST OF YOUR PROBLEMS. INCIDENTLY THE FLUID COUPLING USES ATF FOR IT'S FLUID.

[rlh]

The website p15-d24.com has alot to say about the fluid for the fluid drive converter. There are some ATFs they warn against because it will swell the seals.

[the 42 De Soto guy]

If you have a Custom, it came from the factory with the fluid drive coupling and the M-5 semi-automatic transmission - the one with the wires! If you have a De Luxe it could have come with a standard clutch and standard transmission. Though it is possible, I've not heard of any 46-48 De Sotos with the fluid drive and the standard tranmission. This set up was used a lot by Dodge in that time period.
Don't use the ATF fluid in the Fluid Drive coupling. The P-15.D24 site has the best recommendation I've seen to date.
If you have the M-5 transmission,use 10 weight Motor oil. There is a guy who advertises this oil for sale in the WPC News.
If you haven't visited this site, it's worth checking out www.desoto.org
Ed