Thanks for all that replied. You guys have helped be tremendously. I have the solenoid installed and the car backs up and runs out fine. Seems changing out the gaskets on the solenoid and spacer did not solve my original problem. The area around the solenoid was pretty oily when I removed it and drops of oil were dripping from the bottom side. (So I assumed it was the gaskets.) After cleaning everything up and re-installation, I have oil dripping what appears to be a weep hole above the bottom bolt on the spacer that connects the solenoid. Is this an indicator of a worn shaft seal?

Thanks Ross.

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Thanks guys. Wow, I have had the solenoid off before and didn't know about the energizing information, Got lucky I guess. Also did not know the proper install process. I feel lucky that I didn't screw something up on the previous attempts. The car will move in forward gears. Thank you, thank you, for the reply's

Hello all, I sure could use a little help with a transmission issue on a 1941 120. I removed the areodrive unit that was functioning superb,to replace the gasket that was leaking. I did not remove any wires on the unit. After installation, the car will not move backwards in neutral with engine on or off. All of the wires are secure. Thanks for any replies.

In addition to my previous post, The kickdown switch is properly adjusted. Thanks again, Bill

Hello this is Bill Again. Thanks' everyone for the past replies.I am still trying to get the areo-drive operable on the ?41? 120. I have removed the solenoid and checked the points for any noticeable problems,
None were found., in fact the gear and points looked surprisingly clean with no burnt contacts.

I have changed the oil (twice) on the areo-drive unit with SAE 85-140. I took the car for a spin and the unit worked flawless, shifted into over drive in second and third with the over drive Came home from the short outing , picked up the wife and we went for a celebration drive. About a mile from the house, the car kicked out of overdrive and would not stay engaged. Something I didn't mention in the previous post is that the Speedo makes intermittent noises coming from the instrument panel. I have noticed that when the Areo drive works well is when the Speedo is making the worst noise. I know that according to the book the solenoid is driven from the Speedo gear.

Could this be my problem? I am not sure how a dry Speedo cable could affect the over-drive.

I will try and lube the cable and see if anything becomes of that. Pardon me for my ignorance, It seems working on Packard's is a far cry from Building houses. Thanks Bill

Thank you for the replies. As far as the oils, the owner manual says S.A.E. 140 viscosity in warm weather all the way to 80 in extreme cold weather. That's quite a large range of thickness. I have not changed the oil as of yet. Maybe dirty oil is the problem.

All of the wiring is hooked up to the aero-drive solenoids, I also checked for loose attachments. If anyone knows of an old Packard mechanic in Central Florida, please advise.

Hello, My name is Bill cook and I am a new Packard owner. I just stumbled on to this site and it looks very educational. I look forward to joining the Packard family. I have a 1941 120 sedan with a standard transmission with overdrive. The car runs good but I am having issues with the overdrive not staying engaged. There seems to be oil in the unit and I want to change it but I am unsure what modern day type. The green light comes on fine at the correct speed, and the drive will engage but as soon as you put a load on the tranny, it kicks back out. Any comment would be greatly appreciated. Thanks Bill