Packard Forum Index » Pre-War (1899-1942)

I bought a '32 902. Beautiful car and nicely restored at one time. Unfortunately, the transmission whines in 1st and 2nd louder than my first grade niece. I assume this is not normal, but maybe somewhat expected.
Just got delivered, so i haven't had time to look into it yet. Assuming it needs trans fluid - -among other things - I assume this is a 90 wieght similar to what I use in my newer Packards?

Jim,

Sorry, can't help with the trans.

But, since you "...bought a '32 902" wouldn't it be nice if it kept company with your '41 OneTwenty Touring Sedan in the Packard Owner's Registry?

You'll have to post a video or something. I suspect the "whine" is normal, but I guess it's possible that it's louder than normal.

4spd?
3spd?

Certain models of that year were know as having "singing transmissions".

I've heard stories that Packard advertised this as a "quality" feature. Having torn down transmissions that had high mileage
I can attest to this, by the lack of wear on the gear teeth, in transmissions that were kept lubricated and not abused.

My '32 (4 spd) pulling away from a stop sounds like this, starting in 2nd gear.

youtube.com/watch?v=zXabxyXQL_I

My transmission is a three speed. It does sound quite like the one in Model31's video - maybe louder. Somehow, I don't associate it with the sound of quality - I found it somewhat frightening.

Doing a video is a good idea though. I'll try this in the next few days. I want to check the levels, etc. before taking this for a spin.

The car underwent a full restoration some years ago and I know for certain the engine was rebuilt (at least representaed that way), but I have no mention of the trans. Only 1200 miles since the restoration, so if it was rebuilt, should outlast me.

I am blown away by the quality of the restoration and the car is just beautiful. I just love these elegant old Packards.

When that 3 spd was new and rebuilt back to its OEM spec its silent and smooth in all gears. Think this trans scares a lot of people and thus they pass it off. They are a time consuming project. Of all the classic car transmission ive gone through this PACKARD 3 spd is the best. Have parts if u find u need.

The trans in this car is actually a four speed. The low gear is off to the side. Second is below reverse, third is where you would expect it, with high right below it. Its designed so you basically always start in second. It looks designed to get you into fourth quickly. Looks like I should use 160 in the trans, especially out her in Sunny California.