Can anyone tell me where the governor (not the vacuum modulator) is on a '76 C6 auto? Is it accessible with the trans in the truck or do I have to pull it?

Thanks,

Gav

 

Gav,
What is a transmission governor? What does it do?
KingFisher

 

It’s in the tailshaft housing, you can get at it with it still in the truck. Mine got stuck a few years ago, always stayed in high gear.

Barry

 

It's mounted on the tailshaft and spins with it. (it's a spring loaded spool valve) It's right inside the tailshaft housing and up against the back of the case. It along with the modulator's help, controls shift points. Later,

 

Thanks Phil and Barry - some more stupid questions just to make sure I understand you: Do I need to disconnect the driveshaft from the output shaft and remove the tailshaft housing? If I clean the governor will it return to function? Are new governors available at parts stores?

KingFisher - I think Phil answered your question perfectly.

Thanks a lot!

 

Yes, you'll have to pull the driveshaft and tailhousing. I think the govenor assembly will slide off the back after removing the speedo gear and snap ring. (I can't remember right now) If it won't come off, you can remove the spool valve where it's at. It also has a snap ring and some springs so be carefull. The only place you can buy those parts will be a tranny repair shop or transmission parts supplier. Are you sure the govenor is at fault? Chances are a good cleaning will fix it and you won't need to buy a new one anyway.

 

Thanks again, Phil, for the input. I'm hoping it's the governor. The transmission shifts extremely inconsistently. Occasionally it works properly but as often as not it fails to return to low after stopping, shifts directly from 1st to 3rd when accelerating, won't shift at all at times, and generally shifts slowly and sluggishly.

I've replaced the vacuum modulator, the filter and fluid and added Lube-Gard. I'm reasonably sure there's no vaccum leaks or pressure problems. Interestingly, the transmission seems to perform better under hard acceleration. With a 750 cfm Edelbrock I can't afford to drive around all day under hard acceleration.

Muchas gracias.

 

wow, my tranny does pretty much the same thing....mine usually does not skip from 1 to 3, but it is very slow on the shift, and drags out the process....when I accelerate hard (like off a light) the shifts are very quick, and hard. I will be very curious to learn what you find out.....I have been meaning to get my truck into a tranny shop, but it has not gotten any worse so I have been putting it off..

ackus

 

I'll keep you posted, Ackus.

 

Do you think that this sort of thing is a common problem? My truck has almost the exact same problems. The shifts aren't rough per say really but, it does like to skip from 1st to 3rd and it doesn't always want to shift back into the lower gear. Sometimes it refuses unless I move the shifter lever. Mine also has a busted O-ring on the dipstick/filler tube and it blows fluid out. I can't figure it out but my dad mentioned something about the governor. Do you think it might be the same problem?? Thanks ahead of time for any ideas.

Connie (only Ford luvr in the family!)

'79 f100 "Silver Ghost" (my baby)
'83 f100 "The Ford" (my first)
'85 f150 "Old Blue" (my next project)

 

You've just described my tranny's symptoms exactly, Connie. I'm assuming the governor is part of the problem on my trans but I'm no expert. Hopefully some of the pros who visit this site will shed some light on our subjects.

 

 

im having the same problem with trying to take mine off an cleaning it... Can someone give me alittle more info how to remove it? i know i have to drop the driveshaft, transfer case, and tail housing on transmission but when i get to the governor what do i need to do to get it off? is there just a snap ring that will release it and let it slid off?
Thanksss!

 

I just reassembled my C6 after I rebuilt it, and for the life of me I know it slides off, but I can't remember which way it slides. Once you get it off, be VERY careful to GENTLY tighten the four bolts holding it together. It is very easy to warp the governor if you put too much force on it. We're talking inch/pounds, not ft/pounds. 75 in/lbs if I'm not mistaken.

 

Wow, you guys almost hit 9 years on the spot! 6/11/2002!!!

Josh