Trans brake "sticks"?

[SSDiv6]

Originally Posted by Ed Wright

Guys, I have not used a trans brake much, and know nothing about automatic transmissions, so need some advice. I found mine (alst night) to stick, engine is off. I first thought it was the button, or a fuse.It stopped making a noise when I pushed the button. I was changing spacers. I found I can tap it (The solenoid in the trans) lightly and it pops back off. It has a very light spring. It is Rossler T350. I don't know if line pressure will keep it from happening on the starting line or not? I have another one in another transmission about 45 miles from here. I may need to go get it for Topeka next week. Looks like it just screw in the case?

Thanks, Ed

Ed, trans-brake selenoids are knows to go bad. For that reason, many racers carry a spare selenoid in their tool box. You can also take it out and clean it with brake cleaner.

[Ed Wright]

Thanks. Is that one little thin spring all that makes it release? Or, does line pressure when the engine is running help kick it back? It has a hex-shaped section, do you know if it just screws in? My lights have been bad enough this year without the trans brake failing to release. One light tap with a screw driver handle made it pop back out both times it stuck. Is that unusual when the engine is not running? I don't remember hearing it fail to engage and release before. The whole trans was new this spring. As I said, this is kinda new to me. Always ran stick or foot brake cars "back in the day". My bank account thinks I should have stayed away. <G>

Thanks, Ed

[mrolds]

My hipster t400 had a real light spring in it, & I think they said the pressure will keep it out.("pressure release") My current JW brake has a monster spring on it & has been giving me fits with the solenoid not engaging occasionally (usually 1st or 2nd rd) I think the case is swelling under heat & making the valve stick, because when you manually push it in it starts working again.
If your 350 is like the 400 ,& I think it is, the solenoid pushes into the case where the modulator went, & is held in by a bolt & retainer strap.

[Ed Wright]

Thanks guys!

Ed