powerglide transmission

[roco2]

I have a 1962 corvette with the powerglide transmission.I keep getting differant opinions on whether this transmission can be towed with the wheels on the ground. I beleave it had two pumps and this is where the confusion starts.I beleave it can be push started but towed is another matter.Any help would be appreciated.
roco

 

[Metalguy]

It does have a driveshaft-driven rear pump, but that doesn't matter. I wouldn't tow it more than about 50 miles or so.

 

[patdaly]

I thought the rear pump went away in 1960, with the advent of the Aluminum Powerglide.

 

[BrentCovey]

Aluminum Powerglide came out in '62, and has a rear pump until 1966, I think '67 models the pump was removed IIRC. Corvair Powerglide retained the rear pump thru 1969. The 1969 THM 350 and 1982 THM 700 R4 and current 4L60(E) transmissions are all direct descendants of the Corvair Powerglide/Aluminum Powerglide. If you examine the layout of the THM 350 you'll discover its easily adapted to a rear engine layout, which the THM 400 for example is not.

Regarding towing, it shouldnt be harmful if your car has a rear pump, but check fluid regularly. This can be established by testing pressures or attempting to push start the car, coasting at 20 MPH or so with the engine stopped selecting L should engage the transmission if a rear pump is present, and kick the engine over.

The GSA specified 1966 cars would need to have a reduction range availible (sans inhibitor) at any speed for engine braking, to have any prospect of a Federal Govt fleet purchase and this is mostly what spelt the end of the 2 speed transmission I suspect. Powerglide was a pretty nice transmission, I especially liked it in the little Corvair.

Brent Covey
Vancouver BC

 

[Metalguy]

And the Powerglide was a Buick Dynaflow except it could shift automatically----!

 

[modistran]

your corvette does have a rear pump and as long as you keep the trans in neutral you can tow it. The rear pump does charge the lube circuit. If it was my car and I needeed to tow any long distance I would trailer it. Some automatics Honda,Saturn can be towed all the time as these units are designed somewhat like standard shift transmissions.These cars are the ones you see behind the motor-homes

 

[Fabrico]

Can't remember the name but there are places that make driveshaft couplers for towing that are controlled buy a lever in the car. No modifications necessary to the precious Corvette.

 

[curlyhiro]

In 1962 Chevolet used two different automatic transmission. The 283 c.i. engine used a CastIron PowerGlide and the 327c.i. started using the Aluminum PowerGlide. The rear pump was removed in 1965 when the longer tailshaft model came out. No you cannot tow a PowerGlide with the driveshaft intact. Without the engine running, the transmission does not get lube oil going to the planetary system. The rear pump I don't believe will give sufficent lube oil because of it's circut design.