Powerglide Questions

Mike Walter · 07-04-2011, 07:15 PM

A powerglide's reverse works by fluid being directed from the valve body into a port in the bottom of the case into a chamber which when filled, will push against a reverse piston until it compresses the reverse clutches. This applies reverse. Most problems with reverse not working have to with the reverse clutches being burned up, or a rubber seal in the piston having failed. Not much else would cause a problem. Since your description of the powerglide you have involves lots of foreign matter in the pan, my bet is your reverse clutches are spent.

I have seen individuals which needed to change a case and then find themselves without reverse. There are alum. powerglides which came with a reverse pump somewhat similar to the front pump. When using a case which came with this, you have to drill the passage from the bottom of the case so it can be activated from valve body pressure.

Hope this helps....Mike

greg fulk · 07-04-2011, 09:41 PM

Ed is it a trans brake powerglide? You say going to bracket race it for now....is he thinking of running Hot/Rod S/ST with it some day? If so when you redo it go ahead & put a pro-tree brake in it....also go ahead & get a good name brand 8" converter ( you can have it loosened later when needed) this will put him steps ahead & make for a better bracket car.

07-04-2011, 07:15 PM	#1
Mike Walter Member Join Date: Jul 2008 Posts: 117 Likes: 12 Liked 46 Times in 4 Posts	Re: Powerglide Questions A powerglide's reverse works by fluid being directed from the valve body into a port in the bottom of the case into a chamber which when filled, will push against a reverse piston until it compresses the reverse clutches. This applies reverse. Most problems with reverse not working have to with the reverse clutches being burned up, or a rubber seal in the piston having failed. Not much else would cause a problem. Since your description of the powerglide you have involves lots of foreign matter in the pan, my bet is your reverse clutches are spent. I have seen individuals which needed to change a case and then find themselves without reverse. There are alum. powerglides which came with a reverse pump somewhat similar to the front pump. When using a case which came with this, you have to drill the passage from the bottom of the case so it can be activated from valve body pressure. Hope this helps....Mike

07-04-2011, 09:41 PM	#2
greg fulk VIP Member Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: jackson Posts: 1,165 Likes: 0 Liked 5 Times in 3 Posts	Re: Powerglide Questions Ed is it a trans brake powerglide? You say going to bracket race it for now....is he thinking of running Hot/Rod S/ST with it some day? If so when you redo it go ahead & put a pro-tree brake in it....also go ahead & get a good name brand 8" converter ( you can have it loosened later when needed) this will put him steps ahead & make for a better bracket car. __________________ Greg Fulk 308 308X P/SA "ALL AMERICAN"