VCCA Home Forums TECHNICAL - GENERAL Mechanical - Engine, Trans, etc Replacing Vacuum Shift

How loose is that change Charlie,fly me down and I will do the job

From what I gather, the boot is "No Fun" to install...(?)

You got that right..Don't rip it!

Russell,

Got it today.

It is supposed to rain the next day or so. I will get to it on Wednesday, I hope.

I'll let all of you know how it turns out. Right now it is not going into Reverse and Second as it should.

Sadly, I'm beginning to see why some people take the vacuum shift off. I hope this tool will make it as simple as just using it and the instruction sheet that comes (Thanks for that too, Russell) it.

Stand by for more information. I'm going to learn how to do this job even if it kills me.

Charlie

The instruction sheet that came with the tool that Russell sent me calls for lubricating the vacuum cylinder with BK vacuum cylinder oil.

Anyone ever heard of this stuff and know where I can get some.

How about a suitable substitute.

Thanks,

Charlie

This might be what you're looking for:

McMaster-Carr

First, WARNING, if you are under this thing when you follow those instruction, be prepared to eat some of what ever you use. Ask me how I know!

Second, I think "jack" oil or even some of that NOS shock oil you have will work just fine. A light oil just to soak the seal.

Russell,

Thanks for the warning. Currently I am using a two pieces of hose and a length of copper line to extend the assembly out from under the car. Today (No rain forecast), I'm going to buy 6 feet of 3/8 fuel or vacuum hose in order to do away with having to use the copper line.

Anyway, I'll not be under the car except to take it out and put it in. I think the knee-action fluid may work. Thanks for the suggestion.

Charlie

I used jack oil..What I experienced when adjusting the shift linkage was that I would lose 1st and reverse or 2nd and 3rd gears..It realy helps to have someone in the car shifting as you watch the movements of the rods for adjustment

Well, I worked on it some more today. Nice weather.

Anyway, before I took the new one off, I took an old one and put a new piston in it. Like to have never got it in. Then I hooked up to the vacuum (ran a hose from the one on the car to an outside work area. First I got it to go back and forth, then I used the tool that Russell sent me and got it adjusted so that it would creep in and out like the instructions recommend.

Put it on and took the new one off. Works pretty good except the gear shift doesn't want to hold well in reverse and second. I drove it around the block and backed up a few times. Seems to get better with use.

I poured a ton of knee-action fluid in it. Maybe I got too much. (Actually a little more than a drop or two but not very much.

I'll keep checking on it and see if I can tweek it some more.

Best,
Charlie

Keep plugging away Charlie!

May get better with a little use...Try it again tomorrow...

You might want to PM me...It say's your PM box is full...(?)

Hey, Charlie I found the original booklet on your vacuum assist...PM me if you'd like a copy...If you don't already have one...Found the original car manual as well...Kevin

Kevin,

Thanks but I don't think I'll need it. I'm smarter than any ol' book.

Best,
Charlie

Hi Charlie,

So don't you have a rural friend that could warm up some soapy water for you??? If you need any help I could send you some directions???

Have a giant day, Mike

When I replaced the boot on my vacuum shift unit I used a hook tool that glass guys use on the gaskets when installing windows. Just have to be careful so you don't tip it to much and poke a hole in the new boot with the tip of the hook. I also got some "silglide" from Napa to help the rubber slide. It is meant to use for lubing weatherstrips among other things. Don

Years back, I used silglide (sliglide?) in a tube. Handy stuff!
I haven't seen it for sale in many years.