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1953 DeSoto Firedome V8 with Tip Toe Fluid Drive transmission. Car was stored for approximately the last 8 years. Prior to the storage, the transmission shifted easily from 3rd to 4th around 20-25 MPH. Shifted within 2-5 seconds after lifting the foot from the gas peddle. Fuel, braking, etc. work has been completed. The transmission does not want to shift as easily and quickly as it had in the past. I must be extremely patient to wait for it to shift, 5-20 seconds, and sometimes it takes multiple attempts before it shifts. Any suggestions on things to check is appreciated. Thank you for your time. Peace. Pat Gregory
Has the fluid been changed recently? That may be all that's necessary and then drive it for several hours a little at a time.
Good luck!
Fred
"It's delightful, it's delovely, it's DeSoto"
Thank you for your feedback. No the fluid has not been changed for many years and that is something that really needs to be done. The shop that has done the other mechanical work was nervous to touch the transmission since it is foreign to them. I am a bit of a driveway mechanic so should be able to change the transmission fluid. Any suggestions on the correct fluid to use? The 1953 DeSoto Shop Manual that I have instructs to use SAE 10-W Engine Oil. I am told the 1953 version of SAE 10-W was different than the newer oils. Any comments on that point?
Additionally, I welcome thoughts on 1953 oil vs 2022 oil for the engine. Should an additive such as ZPPD be used.
Thank you for sharing your knowledge and experiences.
Peace.
Pat Gregory
Changing the transmission fluid is always a good start. Fluid level should be correct as well. You can use a regular 10w motor oil in the semi-automatic transmission. If anything, todays oils are better than back then. Make sure you use a non-detergent motor oil though. NAPA carries it or will get for you as well as some tractor supply stores. You can also probably order it online.
I would also check the points on the governor. They probably have corroded during the car's off road time. If they are not clean the car will not shift or will shift inconsistently. Make sure idle speed is correct, approximately 450-475 RPMs or so. Also check the wires from the carburetor to the solenoid for good connections and possibly the solenoid itself. These are the most common issues with these transmissions. Hope this helps! Good luck and keep us posted on your results.
Dean
Dean Mullinax
1957 Fireflite 2 Door Hardtop
1941 DeSoto Deluxe 2 Door Sedan
It's Delightful, It's DeLovely, It's DeSoto!
Great response. Thank you for your time and DeSoto knowledge. I will start with changing the fluid and checking out your recommendations then go from there. I will keep you posted. It may be a bit of time before responding since I have a couple of things going on the next couple of weeks. Peace.
All original except for new tires, new trunk mat, and tune up parts. Needs some work on seats and new carpet which are scheduled for September 2022. Only 51,000 miles. I inherited from my grandfather in about 1969. Used it as our second car for many years and then only sparingly for many years. Nice to have it road worthy again. Peace.
@patgregory I had the same problem on my '47 DeSoto S-11. I changed the fluid but to no avail. Sometimes worked OK but often would not down shift or would take a long time at a dead stop to finally down shift. Would sometimes try to downshift after I started up again. The tip off for me was that it would also not reliably kick down when I floored the gas. I guessed right that it was the kick down relay on the drivers side fender beside the voltage regulator. I disconnected and removed and very carefully removed the cover (which is not designed to be removed).. I ran fine sand paper between the two sets of points. Reassembled and cleaned up all the outside connections. Shifts again as designed. I will likely replace the relay sometime in the future but for now works like a champ.
