TV cable set up/adjustment help, 200-4R

[Hogger54]

So I suspected that my "universal" cable was acting up, because it wouldn't go into 4th. Was shifting 1-2 at 17 MPH like some of the instructions I've read say it should.
I bought a TCI cable and swapped them out.
On the install, I took out the cable slack at idle position, then tightened the cable holding lock. Pressed the button and slid the slider piece back to the firewall, then went to full throttle, but nothing ratcheted out. Tried it again, with same results.
Went for a test drive, and shifts were super smooth, almost couldn't feel them. 1-2 was around 5 MPH, and 2-3 was around 15 MPH. But the bonus was that it did shift into 4th.

Little more info: So with the universal cable the truck was just as responsive as it was with my powerglide, but with the TCI cable, it felt sluggish. I currently do not have lockup installed yet.

Do I need to put a little more tension on the cable, or press the button and pull the slider out a little, or is it fine?

[weq92f]

.
To be safe, don't drive it until you're sure the cable is installed/adjusted correctly. 1-2, then 2-3 so soft and soon sounds to me like there isn't enough TV action to bring up the pressures internally, which could quickly lead to failure of your tranny!

There should be a point at which the cable stops pulling ( at the throttle body ). If your setup did not ratchet out toward full throttle, I suspect either your cable is wrong or the far end isn't connected or something else is amiss.

Hth,

-klb

[The Rocknrod]

The most explained TV adjustment I have read. Do not do it at your own peril. - https://www.1952chevytruck.com/stree...dent_cable.htm

[Hogger54]

Thank you. I have found some other info, that the cable might need a little preload.
I'm going to be checking the pressures to verify I don't have something wrong internally.

[The Rocknrod]

Originally Posted by Hogger54

Thank you. I have found some other info, that the cable might need a little preload...

Ya, no!

[YoungPup1977]

locate the main line pressure port on the trans

You will need a gauge that will read 300 psi
The pressure port is 1/8" NPT.

Here are some simple steps to follow:

Install gauge and hose.
Top off fluid level and warm up the vehicle.

All pressure checks should be preformed at 1500 to 2000 RPM
Disconnect TV cable from linkage.
Raise RPM to about 1500 RPM
Move the shift lever into each gear.
Record the pressure in each gear. This will be the NO TV readings.
Next get a car guy to sit in the car and raise the RPM with foot on the brake.
Pull the TV cable out till it bottoms at full TV. Move shift lever into each gear.
Record the pressure readings...….. this will be Full TV readings.
Last check is to check the pressure reading in the 4th or OD gear position with the car at an Idle.
Perform this check with the TV cable connected and disconnected. The pressure reading should not change more than 5-10 PSI.
With the TV cable hooked up and car in the 4th or OD position at a slightly raised idle, take your finger and push slightly on the TV cable. The main line should start to rise at the slightest hint of TV cable movement.
If line pressure rises at the slightest movement you’re done.
If it does not increase pressure at the slightest movement, adjustment it still incorrect.

[The Rocknrod]

Then there's that.

[YoungPup1977]

Than there is this.....answer the experts are lookin for...duh.

[Hogger54]

Thank you for the excellent explanation.
Once I’m done and resetting the TV cable, is it a big deal if the slider doesn’t ratchet out just a little?