Fellas-
I think I tracked down my problem. After doing some research, on the net, I think my problem may rest in my Torque Converter Solenoid. After researching my problem - which is my truck idles just fine in Neutral and Park, but as soon as it is put in gear it "bucks" (like riding a bull) then eventually dies, and when I am coming to a complete stop it downshifts and does the same thing, "bucks" then dies. I dont know much about the Torque Converter solenoid but I am assuming it has something to do with the clutch engaging. My problem is much like if you were driving a manual transmission and let the clutch out without giving it gas, in other words when my truck is rolling to a stop my clutch isnt engaging properly and causing it to stall. This all makes sense - If it was an engine problem it wouldnt idle perfectly which it does, if it were strickly a Transmission problem it wouldnt cruise down the highway fine like it does, BUT if it was a clutch or torque converter problem (solenoid not engaging or working right) then it would die when it is put in gear or brought to a stop, like it does!!! I think this may be it. If anyone would like to post some thoughts or reaction, that would really be great.
-CASEY

 

[updated:LAST EDITED ON 08-Jun-02 AT 08:11 PM (EST)]Casey; Forgive my question if it seems silly, but what's a lock up torque converter doing in a '65??
If you indeed have one, then your symptoms do agree with your diagnosis!
But again, what up with that?

 

John -
I dont know if I have one or not, I am guessing they dont have them on the ole Cruise-O-Matic 'eh? Just a dumb kid trying to figure out what the deal is. I saw the symptoms on my problem at a website and thought maybe that was my problem....guess not then? What is your two sense? I've checked all my hoses and I havent been able to find a vacuum leak, my timing seems to be okay, distributor is fine, plugs and points are good..............ANY IDEAS?

 

I wouldn't call you dumb, that's for sure, especially since you've come this far!
If the thing idles in P and N, but dies in D or R, then it sounds as if you have a transmission problem IF you have eliminated your engine problems.
Does it die even if you rev the engine up to put it in gear? Then you definitely have a transmission problem.
If not, it could still be either.
You mentioned bucking. Does the entire truck shudder like it is still in gear, as though you weren't properly clutching? Or, is it just the engine trying to handle a low speed problem?
In other words, is it an engine low-speed problem, or is it a torque converter/transmission problem.
What did you do just before this started?
Change a carb? Do wiring? etc. etc. That may help us figure this out.

 

John -
First off, I just want to thank you. And not only you, but everybody on this forum. You dont know how much help you guys are to me. I was just telling my mom how glad I am that there is somewhere I can go to get advice and help, free of charge! Once again, Thanks.
---Okay here goes.---
About six months ago I had my Transmission completely rebuilt, along with my Carb at a trusted shop here in town, So I was hoping to rule out the Tranny. Plus it works fine when it is shifting, works fine cruising downing the road and highway, all around it works fine - It just wont idle in park! You mentioned if it dies when I rev the engine up, the answer is No. If I have it in Drive, and I keep one foot on the brake and one slightly on the Gas (to keep it at about 800-900 RPM) then it works fine. It just wont sit there and idle in gear at 700 rpm. The tachometer will jump wildy anywhere from 900 to 300 in a matter of seconds, then eventually die. Oh also incase your wondering, I have the idle at 700 when out of gear. I tried to just increase the idle to 700-800 but then it just diesels, so i dont want to do that. Another strange thing, It seems as though it doesnt do this in the morning as bad as in the afternoon or when the engine is hot (possibly something to do with the automatic choke?) I dont know, just thought I'd let you know all the symptoms. Thanks!!!!

 

Generaly if your tach is jumping wildly you have a primary ignition problem. Is the distributor shaft loose? does the breaker plate move smoothly when vacuum is applied to the advance? these are both common problems.