<VV> PG fixin'

[cfm]

Hi guys,
Been busy had to set the 69 vert aside for a bit. Since my last installment, nothing has really changed in the behavior of my powerglide transmission. The problem was and is, no upshifting at all. I did some simple things like replace the rubber fittings on the two ends of the line, and blew out the line insure air movement, and the obvious, check the tranny fluid for proper level, and that too checked out on numerous occasions.
So, I purchased the "special tool" for manual valve adjustment, and a new vacuum modulator. I received those items yesterday (although I am a little dissappointed with the lack of a plastic handle on that tool and twelve buckaroonies for a 6" piece of square metal is my cup of tea but WTF) and went ahead and pulled the trans pan this afternoon. As I follow the instructions, I can't even get the tool into the manual bore hole. Is this typical? The TV swivel dissallows that the manual valve back far enough to get the tool into the bore. Should I go ahead and loosen the lock screw and slide the valve back. If this is the case, I assume this is a primary reason why I don;t upshift into 2nd gear. And that replacing the vacuum modualtor is, well, preventative mantainence?
And some residual questions, what is typical to find in the trans pan itself. I have a black carbony looking slim, not much but a thin film of blackish redish slime. I hope that is just normal. I did find a tiny spring, a little less that 1/8" in diameter, tighty wound, heavier gauge steel, and about an inch long. I assume finding a chunk of spring is either usual or not usual, it kind of has me worried. Two, the screen seemed pretty clean, no chunks or metal shavings showing, whats the best way to clean it  or should I not?
I'm going to sit tight until I see a cross profile of commentary. thanks in advance!
-chris mann
69 vert 110/pg