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

Hi everyone. I am removing the engine in my 54 Clipper, and I was wondering if it would be better to remove the trans and engine together or just the engine. I plan to rebuild the engine, but I'm not sure of the current state of the transmission. Thanks.

It is much easier to remove them together and then separate them outside the car. In any event you will want to install new seals in the trans, clean out the pan and install a new gasket. It is not hard to take the two together. The CG of the pair is about in line with the #6 sparkplug, so plan on lifting centered in that area.

Ok, thanks. I have a load leveler that I plan to use with it. Are there any tricks to disconnecting the trans and engine that aren't stated in the shop manual? What's the best way to do it?

If your engine is seized you will have to leave the convertor hanging on the crankshaft until the engine comes apart as you will not be able to reach the bolts that hold the convertor to the flywheel. In that case, just block the engine and tranny level on the floor, undo the trans bolts and pull it STRAIGHT back until the shafts are free.

If your engine turns, remove the lower bell housing while the engine is still hanging. Undo the 6 convertor to flywheel bolts and make sure you can spin the convertor freely. Then sit everything down on the floor as above and pull the tranny off with the convertor.

Bryce, when I pulled the engine and transmission on my 51 200, I had difficulty clearing the radiator brace, so I cut it with a angle grinder with a cut off blade, and then welded it back in place when the engine was reinstalled.

I agree that it is much easier to remove and reinstall the transmission when it's out of the car. I put the transmission on a furniture dolly and the engine hanging from a lift so that I could push both of them around as needed.

Thanks for the help. I have the whole front clip off already so I hope clearance won't be an issue. It is in a garage so I have to remove it from the side, but it looks like I'll have enough room.