Basic LM317 question

[substitute]

I've been using LM317's for years and never had any reason to question how they worked.  Lately I've realized there's something I'm missing.  I've got a power supply PCB with a +/-32v rails, the values of the adjust resistors aren't labeled, no problem a quick look at an LM317 calculator will solve that.  I came up with 240r and 5.9k.
The AC input is marked 2x32VAC, I don't have that transformer handy, the transformer I have on hand is a 36vct.
Using those resistor values, I've got about 21v on the input of the LM317 and only getting 28v on the out put.  Is there a limit to how much an LM317 can increase the input voltage by?  I've looked over the data sheet but I must be missing something.  Any insights?

Thanks

 

[substitute]

Ok, so I just learned that the LM317 is intended to regulate down.  Never knew that.  It's funny I've been trying to google that for a days, something about taking the time to write out a problem on a message board always helps clarify the question.

 

[joaquins]

Maybe good time to lear that EVERY linear regulator regulate down, putting all the excess voltage by the current used in heat. Each regulator has a minimum voltage they need to work, so input of it should always be higher that amount to get the right output, for LM317 is about 3V.

Only switching regulators could regulate UP but they all need outside components to do so, an inductor or a couple of capacitors just to do the task, the LM317 only needs 2 resistors to do the task, diodes and caps are just making it better.

JS