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I have a 1949 Desoto S11 second series that I have owned for 40 years and has run flawlessly until Ethanol gas additive was introduced in the auto industry. In 2008 the car started to hesitating on the highway like it was starving for fuel but it would never stall. The problem eventually got worse and has been un drivable for the past few years. Various people made recommendations as to what the issue could be. Sludge in the gas tank was a suspect as Ethanol may have loosened years of dirt going back to the days of leaded gas. It seemed to run a little better when it sat for a while (dirt settled) and worse when I filled up the tank and mixed up the sediment. Last summer I decided to replace the gas tank and now then car would not start. Tried priming the car and it would start until the gas burned out or the carb. I finally decided to take the same approach that Ii did when I had issues with the brakes leaking brake fluid. Rebuild the entire fuel system. So that’s exactly what I did last fall. New gas tank w gas gauge sensor, rebuilt carb and when I removed the rubber fuel line I found the issue as there wasn’t much left of the line and was sure sucking air. Replaced the line and the sucker fired right up! Little did I know that the fuel pump was leaking like a sieve. Ethanol apparently destroyed the seals. Bought a 6 Volt electric fuel pump with an attached fuel filter and problem solved. She now starts and runs as good as ever but now a new problem and that is Fluid Drive. Sorry for the long story but I want to provide as much history as possible. When I took the car out for a test drive, she backed out of the garage in reverse no problem. I then put her in high gear (shifter down) and she took off but will not shift into the second gear. I have been taking her in the neighborhood for the past couple of weeks trying to loosen it up but no luck. Semi-Automatic transmission issues have been my biggest fear with this car and now it has happened. I have never done anything to this tranny. When I spoke with some of the older mechanics about fluid drive, their response was “if it aint broke don’t fix it”. Anybody have any recommendations as to where to start with this issue. Is there something I missed or failed to connect while replacing the fuel system?
Check and make sure the wiring to the carb is secure and check that the car is not idling too fast, it won't shift if the idle is set too high. The carb rebuild probably changed the idle speed. I'm no expert, but that is what I would check first. good luck!
I'm certainly no expert on this issue either. But if I remember correctly, there have been some previous posts on this topic. It seems like it has been a while ago, so you may have to dig real deep into the past messages to find anything. Good luck.
Also, regarding your fuel line issue, how about writting up a short article for the club's magazine and submitting it to the editor. Some pictures would make it even better, but aren't required. It's these types of short stories and helpful hints that help make the club's magazine a good read.
Bill Noble
I'd love to have a read up on that, especially since it's the '49 I want to buy. The more pictures the better, for this dummy right here haha
Unfortunately I have become and expert on the fluid drive transmissions, the 3-speed transmission, and the Borg-Warner overdrives. I also have written the most complete modern write up on the fluid coupling and the proper fluid for them.
The VERY FIRST thing to do is to go over to the Chrysler Imperial Site and read the several booklets on fluid drive. Watch the converted film strips as well.
Everything one needs to diagnose and then repair a fluid drive is there. After going over all that material, send me an email with a phone number and I would be willing to talk over the material with you.
Best, James
I've am still dealing with an issue with my fluid drive not upshifting to second and fourth gears for quite some time now. I recently located and spoke with some of oldtimers that used to work on my 49 first series DeSoto years ago. One recommendation was to check the transmission oil level (aslo in the shop manual). I have never changed it and 70k miles so I will probably to that. I finally went and purchased the DeSoto shop manual but all the manual states is to Drain and refill to bottom of filer plug hole with No. 10-W Engine oil. There are two filler plug holes on passenger side of the transmission and one on the bottom that looks like a drain plug. I recently removed the lower side plug and oil started pouring out of the hole. I had to put the plug back in or I would have probably drained it. Some of the other posts (other web sites) say to remove the bottom plug and stick your finger in to check the oil level put wasn't possible in that hole. Not sure if the jacking it up on the front passenger side added to in pouring out but doubt it. Does anyone have any more details on checking/replacing the transmission oil as the shop manual is very vague (Pics would help). I am on mission to get this sucker fixed this summer for once and for all.
If the engine idle is to high it won't want to shift,try pushing the clutch in when you want it to shift it will probably shift
Jack,
Did you go over to the Imperial site as I recommended and read over the booklets on the processes to trouble shoot and repair the transmission's ?
Everything you need is there.
James
Jack: Listen to James: I went through a similar problem with the fluid drive transmission in my 1946 De Soto. I checked all the electrical issues, anti-stall in carb, kick down relay, interrupter switch, governor, & solenoid. The problem turned out to be DIRT.
I believe the 49 transmission may be somewhat different than the 48-49. However, there is likely some form of filter in the transmission. If you haven't serviced the transmission the filter is likely plugged. If oil cannot get through the filter it cannot apply pressure to the piston that pushes the fork forward to engage the higher gears.
In my case dirt also caused the transmission to leak through the rail guide. Fortunately I was able to avoid a total tear down as a club member gave me a perfectly functioning transmission (albeit it was harvested from a Chrysler). First thing I did was check the filter - squeaky clean. All I had to do was replace the rear seal and install. It worked like a charm.
Good luck!
