Packard Forum Index » V-8 (1955-56)

Finally got Best Other to the transmission shop today. Added some fluid and drove it in on the rack. Lost all the fluid in
that 30 foot drive. I think it's just seals - we'll see.

Wow! At least you know the pumps work well. Trust it'll be an easy fix.

Uh, its almost never "just the seals". For a major front seal blowout it is usually that the reactor clutch has frozen creating massive heat in the convertor. Be sure to check that the inner shaft on the convertor has that feeling of catch in one direction and free in the other. Also, does the inner shaft wiggle within the outer, and how much does the main shaft in the tranny wiggle within the front pump? Oh yes, and check that the stub shaft is tight to the convertor at that bolted and gasketed joint.

Thanks Ross, I'll print this out and give it to the mechanic.

There is no quick fix with ULTRAMATIC I know I have had three in my car (Including one rebuilt by a Packard expert, not Ross) before I gave up and had a Bendtsens transmission conversion kit for a 700R auto. Now if your making this vehicle into a show car then I would not advise this change but if you intend to drive it then I would.

Now if your making this vehicle into a show car then I would not advise this change but if you intend to drive it then I would.


My experience and that of several others I know is quite to the contrary, we've accumulated tens of thousands of miles on our rebuilt Twin Ultramatics with no problems. We do drive them sensibly, no jack-rabbit starts and the like.

I agree with Dave. I had mine rebuilt in '92 and have many miles on it. Never worried about driving it to far away locations.

Did the transmission shop find the problem? Does it need a full rebuild?
John

I haven't heard from the shop. They may be waiting for parts.
When I give someone a job to do, I leave them alone to do it.
That's the way I worked and that's the way I treat someone doing a job for me. When I know something of consequence I will post it.

Best Other returned home today - running fine.
The problem was in the torque convertor - bushing shot and seals baked from the heat.
Running fine - drove it home, in a light rain, about 20 miles.
It needs a bath.