Merc-O-Matic transmission in a 53" Merc

[Merc Cruzer]

When the transmission shifts it is very hard (slams). The shift points are normal. What is the adjustment to back off the shift pressure?

[rotorwrench]

The hydraulic pressures can be checked externally in forward and reverse modes. The valve body controls the pressures so there could be problems there. The forward and reverse bands are the only adjustable items internal to the type. You may need to find either a factory manual for the Ford-O-Matic/Merc-O-Matic transmissions or find one of the 35 to 53 vintage car editions to the old Motor Auto Repair Manuals. They have a good bit of information about tests and adjustments for these types.

[bk53]

I had to adjust the throttle linkage to take the pop out of my 53 f100 w fom. Its a rod that you can twist in or out a turn. need to pull a cotter pin before you can adjust it. it helped me a lot. same throttle linkage is on 53 ford cars. I don't know about mercs. on the pickup on the drivers side of the engine down towards the same side of the tranny. I don't have my truck at home or i'd send a picture. find this in the service manual. one turn fixed me up I think I had to fool with the carb linkage a bit too afterwards. its been a couple years, but they are all connected. I'm a newby so if this doesn't apply, I apologize for sending you in the wrong direction.

[bbrocksr]

Originally Posted by bk53

I had to adjust the throttle linkage to take the pop out of my 53 f100 w fom. Its a rod that you can twist in or out a turn. need to pull a cotter pin before you can adjust it. it helped me a lot. same throttle linkage is on 53 ford cars. I don't know about mercs. on the pickup on the drivers side of the engine down towards the same side of the tranny. I don't have my truck at home or i'd send a picture. find this in the service manual. one turn fixed me up I think I had to fool with the carb linkage a bit too afterwards. its been a couple years, but they are all connected. I'm a newby so if this doesn't apply, I apologize for sending you in the wrong direction.

This Newbie is right on the money! Do like he says Adjust the throttle linkage one turn at a time to soften the shift.
Bill

[Merc Cruzer]

BY53 and bbrocksr

Thank you....I think you are talking about the linkage on the carb, not the one behind it.

[bk53]

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on mine, its not that one, I have one on the other side that goes from a firewall mounted accelerator pedal linkage down to the trans.

[Merc Cruzer]

I think you are talking about this side....that should be fun to get to!

Bill:

When you say: Adjust the throttle linkage one turn at a time to soften the shift. - in or out?

[bk53]

yeah, thats it. on my pickup I had to adjust out, I've only got two turns left for whatever reason. do it a turn at a time and if it gets better one direction ok if not try the other way. kind of remember where you start. good luck

[bbrocksr]

Originally Posted by Merc Cruzer

I think you are talking about this side....that should be fun to get to!

Bill:

When you say: Adjust the throttle linkage one turn at a time to soften the shift. - in or out?

When you open the throttle which way does the rod move,up or down? If it moves down you will need to shorten it, If it moves up you will need to lengthen it.
Bill

[Merc Cruzer]

bbrocksr:

The rod move up when you accelerate....so the answer would be lengthen it. I will give it a shot this weekend. Thank you all for the directions.....I will let you know the outcome.
.

[Newc]

Hi all; I just had my '53 auto rebuilt and the mechanic said that the 'slaming' can crack a case! Be sure to idle down before shifting from park, cold weather especially. Newc

[Merc Cruzer]

I don't have the issue going from park to drive, or into reverse, only going from 1st to 2nd when accelerating and the same from 2nd to third when accelerating.

[Merc Cruzer]

Update....backed it off three turns and works great

Thank you, all

[51 MERC-CT]

Originally Posted by Merc Cruzer

Update....backed it off three turns and works great

Thank you, all

Translates to lengthen or shorten??

[Merc Cruzer]

Longer so I had to lengthen or unscrew it.

[paleot]

I have a Factory Fordomatic service manual and a supplement manual if anyone needs it FREE. pay the shipping to You and it is Yours.
Tony

[paleot]

Books are gone, shipped to new owner this morning.
Tony

[Merc Cruzer]

The answer is, shorten the throttle linkage rod, by screwing in adjuster “U” bracket on the top of the rod, down until the issue is resolved. This will take a few adjustments and test drives until you are successful. The rod is located on the driver’s side of the transmission and connects to the throttle linkage behind the oil filter housing.

[tubman]

I have to say, that's one of the cleanest engine compartments I have seen in a long time. One question (which may seem like nit-picking) : Are the clamps on the heater hoses correct? They are different than the ones on my '51 and seem a bit too "modern" to me.

[Merc Cruzer]

The one on the heater hose...not correct (haven't found the correct one that size yet), Radiator hoses clamps - correct