Re: BigKev's 1954 Packard Clipper Deluxe Sedan

Posted by BH On 2009/3/11 11:04:19

The trans fluid cooler is kinda buried on the V8s, below the p/s pump. An owner might not even know it had one unless they changed the radiator hoses themselves.

While the cooler is shown the factory "powerteam" illustration, I didn't know what that was, in my intial explorations (over thirty years ago), until I studied the shop manual and parts book and my dad explained it.

Perhaps Packard decided, later, that it was safer to use the external cooler as a breach of the in-radiator type usually results in coolant being introduced to the transmission which causes problems. Permanent-type antifreeze solution tend to ruin the clutches even in moder cars.

I plan to retain the OE cooler, but may add an auxiliary cooler such as what is available, optionally, on late-model GM G-vans.