C-1 C.I. Powerglide Question

[kenneth bingener NCRS#38563]

Noticed a plug missing on a nov 57 dated cast iron powerglide. Itis approx 6-8 inches behind the engine oil drain plug and is ~1/2inch in dia and is threaded. The car runs fine and there is fluid on the dipstick. It looks like this plug has been out for some time by the crud buildup on the threads. Can't find this plug/hole in any of the service manuals. What is it there for? Is it an inspection hole? Can / should I re-plug it? Also the shift pattern for this tranny seems incorrect. It is the later pattern with "L" at the dash end. The car is #1184 which puts it late Nov 57 build date and should have the Park at the dash end of the pattern. Cast date reads K 5 7 on the tranny. Is it possible/difficult to change to the earlier shift pattern? Thanks in advance, Ken

[Don Izzo]

Re: C-1 C.I. Powerglide Question

Ken if you look at the shift plate patterns in Mary-jo's catalog you will see that 56-57 had R at the dash end while 58-61 had L at the dash end. then 1962 had P at the dash end. So it sounds like your shift pattern is 58-61. I can't tell you if the patterns can be change internally, if they can't it would sound like you have a 58-61 transmission. I have a 60 with original tranny and the L is indeed at the dash end and park is farthest away from the dash . Don

[Joe Maulsby]

Re: C-1 C.I. Powerglide Question

Check the posts of Saturday October 12, 2002. May explain your missing plug.

[John M.]

Re: C-1 C.I. Powerglide Question

Ken, Don't know what the purpose of the plug was, but I don't remember ever seeing a plug in one! My 60 had the open hole on it when I got it and it is still that way. It is under the area where the Torque converter is, and if any fluid were ever to come out the hole it would indicate either a bad front seal or the main O-ring between the two halves of the torque converter had failed.

Regards, John McGraw

[Roy Braatz]

Re: C-1 C.I. Powerglide Question

Ken! The rod from your shifter connects to the trans lingage may be installed wrong. The linkage on the trans points DOWN not UP,the trans will work but shift pattern is back ward. Or you may not have a 57 trans.