Downshift methods (was ......stranded)

[dave lowry]

Bob McLaughlin said:
>What am I missing? Why do I need a separate manual kick down switch when
>the shift lever is already there? Just move it to second gear. As a matter
>of fact, I've disconnected my kick down switch so I can run full throttle
>without a down shift if I prefer.

You said:
>difference in how the tranny works bob. Its much easier on it and quicker to
>use a seperate switch. Most GMCers I know now do it.

Tom, I remember reading here on GMCnet that manual downshifts (with the
shift lever) were advantageous in that they didn't require full throttle
application (opening the secondaries), and that something extra locks up in
the tranny producing less slippage / heat. Because of this, we abandoned
having the solenoid replaced and a switch added and just kept using the
lever to do the downshifts.

Your post, however, implies that it's easier on the tranny to have the
solenoid perfom the shift than to use the shift lever. Did I understand you
correctly, and if so, could you please elaborate?

TIA

Dave (advisor/navigator) & Dege (ALL else), '76 Royale, Santa Barbara, CA

 

[gene]

here is the reference

http://www.california.com/~eagle/transmission.html

gene

>Bob McLaughlin said:
> >What am I missing? Why do I need a separate manual kick down switch when
> >the shift lever is already there? Just move it to second gear. As a matter
> >of fact, I've disconnected my kick down switch so I can run full throttle
> >without a down shift if I prefer.
>
>You said:
> >difference in how the tranny works bob. Its much easier on it and quicker to
> >use a seperate switch. Most GMCers I know now do it.
>
>Tom, I remember reading here on GMCnet that manual downshifts (with the
>shift lever) were advantageous in that they didn't require full throttle
>application (opening the secondaries), and that something extra locks up in
>the tranny producing less slippage / heat. Because of this, we abandoned
>having the solenoid replaced and a switch added and just kept using the
>lever to do the downshifts.
>
>Your post, however, implies that it's easier on the tranny to have the
>solenoid perfom the shift than to use the shift lever. Did I understand you
>correctly, and if so, could you please elaborate?
>
>TIA
>
>Dave (advisor/navigator) & Dege (ALL else), '76 Royale, Santa Barbara, CA
>
>
>
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Genef -- 77PB/ore/ca
GMC MOTORHOME INFORMATION
mr.erf
http://www.california.com/~eagle/ http://www.california.com/~eagle/

 

[dave lowry]

>here is the reference
>
>http://www.california.com/~eagle/transmission.html
>
>
>gene
>
Thanks, Gene. I had read Rick's words on your site, but was remembering
another post which explained that there was some specific advantage to
shifting with the lever as opposed to the solenoid. IIRC, some extra
clutch(es) engaged or something like that. The result was a "tighter"
engagement producing less slippage and heat.

I'm trying to understand Tom's comment that shifting with the solenoid was
somehow easier on the tranny than shifting with the lever.Back when we were
trying to add the extra "downshift switch", we learned that our solenoid
was no good. Before we could get a new one installed, someone explained
that shifting with the lever, while a little less convenient, actually was
better. As a result, we still have a non-op solenoid and do our downshifts
with the lever. I'm just trying to be sure we're doing the right thing.

I hope this makes it a little clearer. If not .............

Dave (advisor/navigator) & Dege (ALL else), '76 Royale, Santa Barbara, CA

 

[gene]

It was part of the same, but you are right, these extra clutches do not
come into play with the down switch only when you pull it down. I will
see if I can find the more complete wording.
gene

> >here is the reference
> >
> >http://www.california.com/~eagle/transmission.html
> >
> >
> >gene
> >
>Thanks, Gene. I had read Rick's words on your site, but was remembering
>another post which explained that there was some specific advantage to
>shifting with the lever as opposed to the solenoid. IIRC, some extra
>clutch(es) engaged or something like that. The result was a "tighter"
>engagement producing less slippage and heat.
>
>I'm trying to understand Tom's comment that shifting with the solenoid was
>somehow easier on the tranny than shifting with the lever.Back when we were
>trying to add the extra "downshift switch", we learned that our solenoid
>was no good. Before we could get a new one installed, someone explained
>that shifting with the lever, while a little less convenient, actually was
>better. As a result, we still have a non-op solenoid and do our downshifts
>with the lever. I'm just trying to be sure we're doing the right thing.
>
>I hope this makes it a little clearer. If not .............
>
>Dave (advisor/navigator) & Dege (ALL else), '76 Royale, Santa Barbara, CA
>
>
>
>---------------------------------------------------------------------
>To unsubscribe, e-mail: gmcmotorhome-unsubscribe
>For additional commands, e-mail: gmcmotorhome-help

Genef -- 77PB/ore/ca
GMC MOTORHOME INFORMATION
mr.erf
http://www.california.com/~eagle/ http://www.california.com/~eagle/