transmission · FF-0201

Can you run a Turbo 350 without the kickdown cable, and why is cable adjustment critical on a 700R4?

Ed says that on a hot rod, if the owner does not want the cable complicating the carburetor linkage, he puts a freeze plug in the hole and takes the small wire off, and anyone can put it back later. The 700R4 is different: it is really sensitive, because the more the cable is pulled the higher the pressure goes. If the cable is not adjusted right, he says, you will burn the transmission up.

Expert

Ed Smith

Evidence

expert attributed

Component

kickdown cable and 700R4 cable

Applicable scope

GM Turbo 350 automatic transmission on Ed's bench; general transmission knowledge, not specific to the Flathead; with a warning about the 700R4