87 Maxima transmission part?

[rwbrick]

The automatic tran of my 87 Nissan Maxima has what is called a "Control Cylinder" that sits on the case behind the valve body and has a rod/plunger that goes into the trans. What does this do? Is it a high maint item (does it often break)? The manual says test it by blowing compressed air into one of its holes and watch it: what's it supposed to do?

[s13sr20chris]

conrol cylinder? the location and description sound a lot like the governor. that is the thing that spins at wheel speed and regulates governor pressure. governor pressure works against throttle pressure to determine shift points in older mechanical trannys like you have. i have seen a few of those things with the plastic gear rotted right off. other than that i havnt had too many probs with the governors. that trans with the pan up top is not my favorite nissan trans. in fact, i hate that one.