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

Hello all,

I can't begin to explain how valuable you all have been helping me through my 36 120 restoration. With that I have another question. When I engage first or reverse my clutch grinds. Now, if I engage clutch pedal, Hold it for 2 or three seconds before going into first it does NOT grind. Same thing if I hold clutch down, rev the engine, then I can engage first fine with no grinding. Is this a symptom of something sticking or is something broken? Clutch/ Transmissions are not my strength. Keep it mind the car has been sitting for 10 plus years and I am just now driving it again.

Any input would be appreciated.

Clutches don't grind, the grinding you are hearing is no doubt coming from the transmission. Could be any of several causes, let's look at two common ones. Have you checked the transmission for lubricant fill, and what type of gear oil (viscosity primarily) are you using? Heavier oils allow quicker engagement by reducing gear rotation more quickly.

Second, how much clutch pedal free play is present? If it's much more than an inch or so, the clutch may not be fully disengaged when the pedal hits the stop at the toe board so you have a "dragging" clutch.

Lastly, any transmission of the type in your car can grind transmission gears on engagement from neutral to 1st or Reverse if you shift too quickly, before the rotating gears have had a chance to come to rest.

thank you for you reply, i should have been more specific. While the car is not moving is when the gear grinds. Maybe i can use a heavier gear oil.

Hi USMC1936,

Dave's (Owen_Dyneto) last comment is likely what you're experiencing. There is no synchro in 1st or rev. in these transmissions, so stopped OR moving, you must wait a couple of secs after the clutch pedal is depressed to let the gears stop spinning and allow a grind-free shift. If the car is stopped and the transmission is in neutral, clutch pedal out, the gears are turning the same as if you were moving, in gear at that idle speed. Once you disengage the clutch (push the pedal in) the tranny internals come to a halt quite quickly, you just have to wait for them. The correct weight and amount of oil in the gearcase is also a contributing factor and worth checking as suggested. Chris.

I have the habit when I'm at a standstill of shifting into 2nd, then into first. I think I'm slowing the gears down doing that. Whatever it is, it prevents any grinding of gears.

Joe, I do the same thing. Shift into second gear at standstill, then first
That uses the synchro of second gear to slow and stop the input shaft of the trans.

Joe & Mike (Tobs) That's a good idea, I'm going to try and make that a habit. Chris.

Thank y'all for your input. I tried putting it in second before engaging first and it seemed to work wonderfully. I guess I don't know the ins and outs of driving vehicle that old just yet. I'm over here acting like the transmission should respond like a modern manual tranny does! Lol

'Ernie in Arizona' always has sage advice. I always liked his
post to someone in your shoes, just 'learning' their 'new' car:
"Good afternoon...It often takes a good few trips around the block to get a 'New' Packard sorted out so that you trust the old girl...they really do want to please you...you just have to listen and observe and make the necessary changes and repairs one at a time until you are happy with her and she with you! Ernie in Arizona"