Packard Forum Index » Post-War (1946-54)

You guys think this was for Packard only? Why would a shop need a special tool JUST for an ultramatic? Wouldn't a transmission shop have a pressure tester that would work on all automatic transmissions of the era?

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Vintage-K-R-Wilson-Tools-Packard-Motor-Ultramatic-Pressure-Gauges-PU-300-/291125740844?hash=item43c872452c&i

I'm sure they would all have pressure gauges but those were intended for a dealership and were sold out of the approved Packard test tool catalogs so would have been identified. It would also be part of the Ultramatic roll out. With the Packard pride in their Ultramatic accomplishment, a Packard name on a special tool for the unit would be top of the list.

GM might have had the same set. It might have been identical but but also could have had a different layout to facilitate the order they did their tests. GM probably had a Cadillac or Buick or whatever label.

Were the other transmissions of that era as dependent on hydraulic pressure as the Ultramatic?

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Good question. 54 Cadillac manual has a whole page of Hydramatic pressures for various axle ratios and speeds and shift points but only show a single gauge as their tool -- not the 3 gang.

Whether that is due to not being as reliant on pressures and combinations or just that their mechanics could do them one at a time because of easier access is unknown.

With Packard you had to hook up a couple of places inside the pan using the special pan extension. Perhaps the 3 gang is as much for convenience so as not to drain the oil and drop the pan each time a new pressure was needed.