1962 250 HP WCFB TV Rod for Kickdown Issue

[Peter M.]

Hello, this is my first post since joining. My 62 matching number 327 250 HP Automatic was missing the TV rod that controls the kickdown. This, I believe, accounts for a late upshift.

I have sourced two kickdown rods and the correct clip for the carburetor lower mounting hole on the linkage. When I connect it all up, the carburetor cannot achieve full throttle. It is as if there is not enough "throw" in the linkage. I do have the TSM and Assy Manual and I do notice perhaps a difference in the lower linkage that goes from the bell crank to the transmission. Some images in these books show a short linkage rod. The one I have is a longer rounded one that curls forward towards the exhaust manifold. I am not sure if that make a difference.

The car is a May 62 car and I know the Powerglide is original and the output arm on the Powerglide moves freely. Although the carburetor is NOT the original WCFB I have compared the linkage arm to ones that are original, and it appears the same.

I know I am overlooking something that may be obvious to some, more experienced members familiar with the 62 automatic setup.

[Richard M.]

Re: 1962 250 HP WCFB TV Rod for Kickdown Issue

Peter, Welcome!

I had a '63 with M35 Powerglide. It was 300 HP, with the Carter AFB versus the base 250 HP.

I am wondering if your kickdown rod is the one for the 300HP. There were 2 different rods in 1963 based on engine configuration. Unfortunately I do not have access to my hardcopy 1962 AIM. What are the part numbers in your 1962 AIM for the rods? I suspect they may be similar to the 1963 rods, however, a quick glance in gmpartswiki.com(here) does not list the rods for 1962.

1963 M35 PG Kickdown Rods:

250 HP(Base-WCFB) 3830309
300 HP(L75-AFB) 3830319

But..... I researched further and found the 1962 PG Parts listing(Pass & Corvette). Here

This shows 1962 Corvette used the 3795893 rod, and its length as "14 1/2" dev. length".

Also, below is the Linkage Adjustment Procedure for M35 (for 1963). Your 1962 AIM should have a similar page. Have you done this adjustment? It must be followed from step 1. It is also expecting your main throttle rod(to pedal) is the correct part too.

Rich
1963_M35_Linkage_Adjustment.jpg

[Peter M.]

Re: 1962 250 HP WCFB TV Rod for Kickdown Issue

Hi Rich, thanks for the detailed and explicit reply. I measured my TV rod and it is not quite 11.5". That is likely the issue! Once I get the correct rod in place I will then do the adjustment as described in the manual. Thank you very much.