Re: Don’s 1937 (120) 138CD Deluxe Touring Limo

Posted by TxGoat On 2024/6/15 22:24:52

If your clutch drags, even slightly, it will complicate shifting into 1st or reverse from a standing start or downshifting to 1st when underway. Downshifting to 1st when the car is moving is not necessary, but it can be done smoothly by "double clutching". The gears should never clash or grind during normal driving. A pre-war Packard in good tune can run very slowly in second or even high gear, and they have very good torque at low RPM, which minimizes the need for a lot of gear shifting. When approaching a stop sign, allow the car to slow to about 5 MPH in high, then depress and hold the clutch until the car is stopped dead, leaving the gearshift in gear, then shift into low. (Or reverse). Proper engine idle speed promotes easy shifting. Gear oil that is too thin can make shifting into low or reverse from a standing start less easy, since the clutch disc and input shaft will continue to spin for a few seconds after the clutch is pressed to the floor. Any drag in the clutch will make shifting more difficult and will impose needless wear on the synchronizers. A Packard in good tune with a properly working clutch and throttle linkage is a pleasure to drive, even in stop and go traffic.