Warren and everyone, thanks for the help. Tomorrow, I'll check the modulator and then stop there if that is not the problem. I was under the car and we checked the shifter and eventhough the bushing on the horizontal shaft was completely gone, the lever was making it easily into the 4th position.
It seems like checking the pan for debris could only lead to in depth transmission repair. Truthfully, I don't know who will do that in this town. Every professional I have talked to says that repair of the tranny is just not economical. And they don't touch them. They replace them.

With me not being able to free up the double-acting solenoid, I think I need to cut this tranny free.
Also, as is posted all over this board, the auto trannys are uninspiring. Some people swear by them. And I will be glad to drive one of those fintails someday to see that they exist. I have always had the tranny switch in my mind since I got his car. Each start from a stop light going uphill brings a learned sort of quiet sadness that I've been trying to get used to and just accept as "the way things are" with my car.

This breakdown on the way to pick up my brother from the airport for what was going to be a weeks vacation driving around in leaf changing Colorado was mean-spirited. I'm taking it personally.

Even if the modulator adjustment fixes the problem, this transmission is probably going to become a used extra tranny I may make available on craigslist someday.
\\
Eddie

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1965 220SEb Manual