Vacuum: Transmission not fully in Park

[docphiliowa]

First of all, let me wish all of you a Happy New Year.

The good news: Our vintage cars are another year older. :)
The bad news: So are we! :p

Vince, I do plan on bringing Little Jerry to you for a timing chain change sometime this spring - I'll contact you as soon as I have my schedule set.

Problem: Occasionally Little Jerry's transmission is not fully in Park, so that when I turn the key, nothing happens. I can jiggle the shifter to make it work - but I worry the day may be coming when jiggling doesn't help.

It seems to happen more in colder weather - and there are no other apparent vacuum issues. I assume there is an adjustment or something for the vacuum and the tranny - where do I start?

Phil

PS: If you have a few spare moments, check out my office website at www.iowalaserdoctor.com or my personal site at www.roadsideboys.com. :D

[Maxbumpo]

Doc,

Sounds more like worn bushings in the linkage are preventing the full engagement of the neutral lock-out switch.

Install new bushings, and problem should be solved.

[docphiliowa]

Thanks Max, I see a 'shifter bushing' listed on the PerfProducts web site - um...where does it go?

[Maxbumpo]

There are metal rods (linkages) that connect the shift lever to the transmission, they are accessed from under the car, located on the side of the transmission. I've never done this job, but I understand that after the old ones are out, the new ones should be heated in a pot of boiling water and then quickly pressed into place with a pair of pliers large enough to exert pressure over the majority of the bushing.

[D.L. SWINFORD]

Happy New Year Phil;
Boy I don't feel 71 years younger.
All of the 300s the age of ours require the shift lever bushings replaced.
They are located in the console.
The renewing corrects a multitude of problems.
Love you Phil; your Brother in JC, Don.
Happy Trails Beep Beep from The Spiderman on The Gulf Coast, Don
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