1950 Dodge Coronet trans problem

[Guest narmer2000]

A friend just purchased a 1950 Dodge Coronet with a fluid drive transmission or I think they called a gyromatic? At any rate, the car will no go forward or in reverse. The engine also runs erratic. Not sure if this is an electrical issue or what is going on...any suggestions?

Mike

[greg g]

You will probably get a better response with this question posted on the general P15 D 25 forum. Does the car have any actual gyromatic badges??? Dodges all had fluid drive, some were shifted through a regular three speed and some had the semi automatic so if you can positively id the trans, you will get a better response.

As far as erratic running, there are several causes, but in many cases these engines will have a couple of valves that stick inthe open position from sitting.

They may free up on their own with mor running time, or you may have to remove the head to tap them down and free them up. Do a compression test to get a base line of the cylinder's compression levels, this will tell a lot about the condition of the engine. Have you pulled the plugs to check their condition? If al the cylinders are developing compression, usually you just need to get new plugs, wire, dist cap, points and rotor, and check the timing to get a smooth runner.