Re: 51Packard's....51 Packard

Posted by Charles On 2010/8/18 20:58:01

Thanks Brian. I had been checking out the Complete Ultramatic Service Information section of this website. Surprisingly, I found the pictures and descriptions better for the earlier transmission than the info for my year. Even more interesting was the parts list. Even though you have to look up the numbers to see what they are called, it shows how everything goes together.

I was thinking the two round parts at the top were pumps because of the slotted looking fitting in them, but now I realize that they are not. You say there are no pistons in the valve body, but aren't those round things pistons? That is what the parts book called them and I assume they push the levers to lock the bands? Am I wrong? If so, then there is no reason that one should be sticking out of the one in my car and I must have some serious problems. How do the bands get squeezed to lock them?

Can you recommend a good cleaner for the valve body? The manual says to use unleaded gasoline, but if there is something a little friendlier that I could use, I would prefer that.

I'm a little nervous about taking it apart. I know I need to find out why the trans is not working, but I also don't want to make things worse by taking apart something that isn't the problem and possibly wrecking it! From what people have told me it could be a sticking valve in there so I guess it is worth the risk.

Thank you all for your advice and wisdom. Please keep it coming! (wishing me a little luck won't hurt either!)