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Home » Public Forums » GMCnet » Tranny Trouble - the dreaded governor gear gremlin (newbie questions replacing governor gear)
Tranny Trouble - the dreaded governor gear gremlin [message #314096] Sun, 05 March 2017 06:45 Go to next message
Russell K. is currently offline  Russell K.   United States
Messages: 178
Registered: October 2016
Location: Dunedin, Florida
Karma: 4
Senior Member
Based on info read here and elsewhere, I'm 90% sure its the governor gear.

1. I have headers, does the drivers side have to come off completely, or just loosened? Do I need a new gasket to reinstall?

1a. My dipstick tube extension goes through the header, does it have to come off?

2. Can I do it all from the cockpit, or do I pull the fender well cover?

3. I have fender flares, do I need to remove the flare to remove the fender well cover?

4. Should I also replace the speedo cable, in case it was the culprit?

5. My tranny is a Danny Dunn rebuild from the 90's, if that matters.

6. I do not know the origin of the headers. (probably installed by Ken Frey)

7. My records from the PO show the governor gear replaced in 2009.

We are not stranded on the side of the road. We limped it back to storage, very slowly. This is not urgent, I can't work on it again until Saturday. I just need an efficient plan of attack.


1978 Eleganza II, Dunedin, Florida
Re: Tranny Trouble - the dreaded governor gear gremlin [message #314097 is a reply to message #314096] Sun, 05 March 2017 07:30 Go to previous messageGo to next message
Ken Burton is currently offline  Ken Burton   United States
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Registered: January 2004
Location: Hebron, Indiana
Karma: 10
Senior Member
Russell K. wrote on Sun, 05 March 2017 06:45
Based on info read here and elsewhere, I'm 90% sure its the governor gear.

1. I have headers, does the drivers side have to come off completely, or just loosened? Do I need a new gasket to reinstall?

1a. My dipstick tube extension goes through the header, does it have to come off?

2. Can I do it all from the cockpit, or do I pull the fender well cover?

3. I have fender flares, do I need to remove the flare to remove the fender well cover?

4. Should I also replace the speedo cable, in case it was the culprit?

5. My tranny is a Danny Dunn rebuild from the 90's, if that matters.

6. I do not know the origin of the headers. (probably installed by Ken Frey)

7. My records from the PO show the governor gear replaced in 2009.

We are not stranded on the side of the road. We limped it back to storage, very slowly. This is not urgent, I can't work on it again until Saturday. I just need an efficient plan of attack.


Are you positive the governor is bad? If your speedometer does not work, then your problem is probably a bad plastic gear on the governor. If the trans is refusing to upshift until a very high RPM, then your problem is probably a loss of vacuum to the modulator or the modulator itself.

Question #1 Yes, you need to take all 5 bolts out, but not the exhaust pipe end. You do not need to replace the gasket unless the old one is damaged. I have had mine apart many times without replacing the gasket.

Question 1a. Remove the dipstick and split the dipstick tube. It is only one fitting.

Question #2 Yes. Do it from the top.

Question #3 #4 #5 No.



Ken Burton - N9KB
76 Palm Beach
Hebron, Indiana
Re: [GMCnet] Tranny Trouble - the dreaded governor gear gremlin [message #314108 is a reply to message #314097] Sun, 05 March 2017 12:29 Go to previous messageGo to next message
sgltrac is currently offline  sgltrac   United States
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Registered: April 2011
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Senior Member
Carefully inspect the shorter of the speedo/cruise cables ( shorter is the
cruise)as the cruise cable can melt and jamb or twist up which can cause
damage to the governor as per Manny. The cruise cable is especially prone
with headers. Manny recommended not using the stock cruise set up once his
new Manny switch was installed.

Sully
77 eleganza 2
Seattle
On Sun, Mar 5, 2017 at 5:31 AM Ken Burton wrote:

> Russell K. wrote on Sun, 05 March 2017 06:45
>> Based on info read here and elsewhere, I'm 90% sure its the governor
> gear.
>>
>> 1. I have headers, does the drivers side have to come off completely, or
> just loosened? Do I need a new gasket to reinstall?
>>
>> 1a. My dipstick tube extension goes through the header, does it have to
> come off?
>>
>> 2. Can I do it all from the cockpit, or do I pull the fender well cover?
>>
>> 3. I have fender flares, do I need to remove the flare to remove the
> fender well cover?
>>
>> 4. Should I also replace the speedo cable, in case it was the culprit?
>>
>> 5. My tranny is a Danny Dunn rebuild from the 90's, if that matters.
>>
>> 6. I do not know the origin of the headers. (probably installed by Ken
> Frey)
>>
>> 7. My records from the PO show the governor gear replaced in 2009.
>>
>> We are not stranded on the side of the road. We limped it back to
> storage, very slowly. This is not urgent, I can't work on it again until
>> Saturday. I just need an efficient plan of attack.
>
>
> Are you positive the governor is bad? If your speedometer does not work,
> then your problem is probably a bad plastic gear on the governor. If the
> trans is refusing to upshift until a very high RPM, then your problem is
> probably a loss of vacuum to the modulator or the modulator itself.
>
> Question #1 Yes, you need to take all 5 bolts out, but not the exhaust
> pipe end. You do not need to replace the gasket unless the old one is
> damaged. I have had mine apart many times without replacing the gasket.
>
> Question 1a. Remove the dipstick and split the dipstick tube. It is only
> one fitting.
>
> Question #2 Yes. Do it from the top.
>
> Question #3 #4 #5 No.
>
>
> --
> Ken Burton - N9KB
> 76 Palm Beach
> Hebron, Indiana
>
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Sully 77 Royale basket case. Future motorhome land speed record holder(bucket list) Seattle, Wa.
Re: [GMCnet] Tranny Trouble - the dreaded governor gear gremlin [message #314112 is a reply to message #314108] Sun, 05 March 2017 13:29 Go to previous messageGo to next message
Russell K. is currently offline  Russell K.   United States
Messages: 178
Registered: October 2016
Location: Dunedin, Florida
Karma: 4
Senior Member
Thank you Ken and Sully.

1978 Eleganza II, Dunedin, Florida
Re: [GMCnet] Tranny Trouble - the dreaded governor gear gremlin [message #314113 is a reply to message #314108] Sun, 05 March 2017 13:37 Go to previous messageGo to next message
George Beckman is currently offline  George Beckman   United States
Messages: 1085
Registered: October 2008
Location: Colfax, CA
Karma: 11
Senior Member
sgltrac wrote on Sun, 05 March 2017 10:29
Carefully inspect the shorter of the speedo/cruise cables ( shorter is the
cruise)as the cruise cable can melt and jamb or twist up which can cause
damage to the governor as per Manny. The cruise cable is especially prone
with headers. Manny recommended not using the stock cruise set up once his
new Manny switch was installed.

Sully
77 eleganza 2
Seattle
On Sun, Mar 5, 2017 at 5:31 AM Ken Burton wrote:



Good points made by Ken and Sully.

I was able to tickle the governor out without taking the dip stick apart, but it requires someone above to help the the manifold up and flared out. The dipstick placement seems to be a bit random from coach to coach so perhaps I was lucky.

While you are checking the cruise cable make sure the rest, going to the speedometer is very free as well.

Now if the governor won't pull up then things just got complicated. But... you do not have to pull the final drive down to get the pin out of the way. Manny gave me a very simple way of pulling the final drive back enough to get in between the transmission and the final drive. I am a weakling and I did it by myself. Took time but it was a very slick technique. Hopefully the governor comes right up and out.

When pushing the pin out I would not drill it. You can enlarge the hole and cause the pin to be a loose fit.

When putting the new gear on the following is very important: The smart guys call it "staking" the pin in, meaning take a modified chisel and bugger the ends of the hole the pin goes in so it can't come out. The PO made a weak attempt at staking the pin. I could see the marks but they are not much and the pin slid out.

If the governor will not come out... goes up maybe an inch or so and stops hard, look here: https://groups.google.com/forum/#!topic/gmcnet-archive/T-eeBK6c-fQ

The technique also works if you needed to replace the gasket between the FD and transmission.



'74 Eleganza, SE, Howell + EBL
Best Wishes,
George
Re: [GMCnet] Tranny Trouble - the dreaded governor gear gremlin [message #314122 is a reply to message #314113] Sun, 05 March 2017 19:12 Go to previous messageGo to next message
Russell K. is currently offline  Russell K.   United States
Messages: 178
Registered: October 2016
Location: Dunedin, Florida
Karma: 4
Senior Member
Thanks for the tips George

1978 Eleganza II, Dunedin, Florida
Re: [GMCnet] Tranny Trouble - the dreaded governor gear gremlin [message #314126 is a reply to message #314122] Sun, 05 March 2017 20:53 Go to previous messageGo to next message
Ken Burton is currently offline  Ken Burton   United States
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Registered: January 2004
Location: Hebron, Indiana
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Senior Member
On my coach with headers, I have that lower cable covered with insulating foam and reflective aluminum tape. Covering the end foot or so with a piece of aviation "firesleeve" and reflective aluminum tape might be a good idea. I used that on my Onan gas line to elimminate a vapor lock problem when the OAT exceeds 100 F.

Ken Burton - N9KB
76 Palm Beach
Hebron, Indiana
Tranny Trouble - the dreaded governor gear gremlin. UPDATE: It works!!! :-) [message #314941 is a reply to message #314126] Mon, 20 March 2017 08:28 Go to previous messageGo to next message
Russell K. is currently offline  Russell K.   United States
Messages: 178
Registered: October 2016
Location: Dunedin, Florida
Karma: 4
Senior Member
We are running again!! happy! happy! happy!
I replaced the governor assembly, after removing the header. The old governor gear did not look very worn. I also replaced the vacuum line on the vacuum modulator (only the rubber section) on the tranny, and installed a new hose on the vent fitting on top of the tranny to redirect any vented fluid outside the frame rails away from the headers. It drives like a dream again, and shifts normally. Thanks to everyone for your help!!!!

http://www.gmcmhphotos.com/photos/data/7029/Old_Governor_Assembly_and_New_Governor_Assembly.jpg

http://www.gmcmhphotos.com/photos/data/7029/Old_governor_gear_and_new_governor_gear.jpg



1978 Eleganza II, Dunedin, Florida
Re: Tranny Trouble - the dreaded governor gear gremlin. UPDATE: It works!!! :-) [message #314944 is a reply to message #314941] Mon, 20 March 2017 08:49 Go to previous messageGo to next message
Ray Erspamer is currently offline  Ray Erspamer   United States
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Registered: May 2007
Location: Milwaukee Wisconsin
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Senior Member
I'm curious as to what the original problem was? The governor gear doesn't look that bad. It could have been the vac modulator hose.

Happy your problem is resolved. Have a great day!


Ray Erspamer 78 GMC Royale Center Kitchen 403, 3.70 Final Drive Holley Sniper Quadrajet EFI System, Holley Hyperspark Ignition System 414-484-9431
Re: Tranny Trouble - the dreaded governor gear gremlin. UPDATE: It works!!! :-) [message #314945 is a reply to message #314944] Mon, 20 March 2017 08:57 Go to previous messageGo to next message
Russell K. is currently offline  Russell K.   United States
Messages: 178
Registered: October 2016
Location: Dunedin, Florida
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Ray, You're right, the governor gear does not look bad at all. When I pulled it, I started to second guess my original diagnosis. The tranny would not upshift out of first gear, and would even pop out of gear. The vacuum hose on the modulator looked pretty rough, and was cracked, so I replaced it as well. If I would have replaced the vacuum line first, I probably didn't need the governor. Oh well, I certainly learned a lot along the way. Life with a GMC....learn something new everyday. Smile

1978 Eleganza II, Dunedin, Florida
Re: [GMCnet] Tranny Trouble - the dreaded governor gear gremlin. UPDATE: It works!!! :-) [message #314948 is a reply to message #314945] Mon, 20 March 2017 09:57 Go to previous messageGo to next message
Ray Erspamer is currently offline  Ray Erspamer   United States
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Registered: May 2007
Location: Milwaukee Wisconsin
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Senior Member
Now you have BOTH fixed and worry free. Always good to get as many
of these out of the way as possible.

On Mon, Mar 20, 2017 at 8:57 AM, Russell Keith wrote:
> Ray, You're right, the governor gear does not look bad at all. When I pulled it, I started to second guess my original diagnosis. The tranny would
> not upshift out of first gear, and would even pop out of gear. The vacuum hose on the modulator looked pretty rough, and was cracked, so I replaced
> it as well. If I would have replaced the vacuum line first, I probably didn't need the governor. Oh well, I certainly learned a lot along the way.
> Life with a GMC....learn something new everyday. :)
> --
> Russell Keith
>
> 1978 Eleganza II
>
> Dunedin, Florida
>
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> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
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--
Ray Erspamer
78 Royale - "The Great Lakes Eagle"
Center Kitchen TZE368V101144
Wauwatosa, Wisconsin 53226
Email: 78GMCRoyale@gmail.com
414-484-9431
Web Site: http://ray-lisa.page.tl/

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Ray Erspamer 78 GMC Royale Center Kitchen 403, 3.70 Final Drive Holley Sniper Quadrajet EFI System, Holley Hyperspark Ignition System 414-484-9431
Re: [GMCnet] Tranny Trouble - the dreaded governor gear gremlin. UPDATE: It works!!! :-) [message #314949 is a reply to message #314948] Mon, 20 March 2017 09:55 Go to previous messageGo to next message
James Hupy is currently offline  James Hupy   United States
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Registered: May 2010
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Senior Member
Russell, I would strongly suggest that you remove your lower speedometer
cable ( inner and outer) inspect it very carefully, and lubricate it with
cable lube of your choosing. Insulate the lower part that passes near the
header, and loosely ty-wrap it away from the header. If it melts
internally, it will freeze up and strip out the governor gear.
Jim Hupy
Salem, Or
78 GMC ROYALE 403

On Mar 20, 2017 6:58 AM, "Russell Keith" wrote:

Ray, You're right, the governor gear does not look bad at all. When I
pulled it, I started to second guess my original diagnosis. The tranny
would
not upshift out of first gear, and would even pop out of gear. The vacuum
hose on the modulator looked pretty rough, and was cracked, so I replaced
it as well. If I would have replaced the vacuum line first, I probably
didn't need the governor. Oh well, I certainly learned a lot along the way.
Life with a GMC....learn something new everyday. :)
--
Russell Keith

1978 Eleganza II

Dunedin, Florida

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Re: Tranny Trouble - the dreaded governor gear gremlin. UPDATE: It works!!! :-) [message #314967 is a reply to message #314945] Mon, 20 March 2017 16:46 Go to previous message
KB is currently offline  KB   United States
Messages: 1262
Registered: September 2009
Karma: 0
Senior Member
on ours, the governor was fine except that it was a little sludged up inside, just
enough to keep it from working consistently. When I tried to take it apart,
the inner shaft wouldn't slide out -- a big clue, since it should basically fall
out when you remove the pin and plastic gear. I'd disassemble the suspect one
and give it a thorough cleaning.


Karen
1975 26'
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