But let's say you get away with high RPM, brake back, and don't blow the
top off the engine. There's still another piece of damage that can come from
using the wrong gear. That one's big, too.

 OVERHEATING -That torque converter can boil fast if you use too high a gear
or lug along. About 200 or a shade over is normal, but if that hand starts reach-
ing for 250, watch out!
 The thing to do
 / is brake back, if you

 next lower gear
 S- never two gears
 .S V % at a jump.


 Then check the temperature again, along with a quick
look at the transmission oil pressure gage.
 If it's not at least 180 PSI, stop and shut off the engine,
with a 3-minute idle period first-don't just chop the
switch.


 Still, your main worry here is what's
called torque converter stall. You can
even get it standing' still, using too high
a gear to move out. It's bad because it
overheats the oil, which means ruined
seals and shot bearings.