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

I have a Packard 333 6 cylinder. Spent last couple years getting it running, but have never driven it (probably hasn't been driven in ~20 years).

Here's the behavior: Engine running, depress clutch (appears to mechanically work properly, feels like proper pressure), put into gear. Let the clutch out, feel a very slight movement when clutch pedal fully released. No bogging down of the engine.

I think I read that the clutch plate can sometimes get stuck. Any recommendations or thoughts on next steps to see what's wrong?

A stuck clutch will not release. With the engine running and a stuck clutch, you won't be able to put the car in gear.
It sounds like your car has a badly slipping clutch.

I assume the clutch linkage is free and operating correctly and that the transmission is intact.

Have you tried moving the car in second or high gear? Low gear may be stripped, or the low/reverse shifting fork may be loose on its shaft.

Sounds like the complete opposite to me. You seem to have no clutch action at all. Either the lining on the clutch is worn, or broken away completely. Maybe the pressure plate springs are broken/seized or some other reason is keeping the clutch from engaging with the flywheel.
To have a 'stuck' clutch, (meaning that the flywheel and clutch can not be separated) would result in ONLY being able to start the car in neutral, in gear you would be turning over the engine and driving the transmission and the rest of the drive line off the starter which of course would not only turnover too slowly to start the car, if it did so you would be in a moving car!!
So, back to your issue. The transmission needs to be removed and the clutch pressure plate and clutch disc need to be sent out for rebuild. While you are at it, remove the flywheel and get it refaced so that when you put it all together you have a smooth working assembly. Oh, and replace the throw-out bearing, even if it looks good you want to have this as new as the clutch so you don't have to go in there again, likely in your lifetime!
When reinstalling the clutch you will need to keep it centred on the flywheel. I did this by using the main shaft from the transmission as a centring tool. If you do not want to disassemble the transmission, a tool of some sort will need to be inserted to keep everything aligned so that the transmission will slide back into the clutch splines.
Bob J.

Multi-disc clutch, is it not?

I have not tried in a high gear, will give that an attempt.

So it sounds like so far that is not much in terms of simple fixes to try, sounds like it's going to require quite a bit of work.

Thanks for the feedback so far.

Like Clint Black's song says "Fix that car 6 ways to Sunday, and it won't start again when Monday rolls around!"
If the fixes were easy these old girls would not have been parked for decades.
Bob J.

Have done some further inspection:
1) Tried is in 3rd gear while running, still nothing
2) Opened inspection plate right in front of gear shifter. I can see the throwout bearing and moving when depressing the clutch (see pics). Seem like that would be normal
3) There is a second inspection plate closer to the engine (see pic). Nothing happens when I depress the clutch. Have not inspected that while running.

In any event, seems the issue is between the clutch and the engine.

Any other thoughts would be appreciated, but clear the next step is to pull it out (no easy fix).

Anyone know of where to source clutch/trans parts for 1925 333? I know I need to pull it out first, but am hoping I can at least start investigating parts.

Thanks

Attach file:

---

  IMG_4961.jpeg (67.84 KB)


  IMG_4968.jpeg (88.13 KB)

So with help from a friend, I pulled out the clutch. They are definitely worn and a lot of dust in the bell housing. Next step is to either find a new set of clutch plates or get these redone. Does anyone know the specs for the thickness of the clutch plates if I can get them resurfaced? Any recommendations on where to find a replacement set or places that might redo the existing ones? Located in South East Michigan

Attach file:

---

  Small Trans.jpeg (546.61 KB)


  Small Clutch Plates2.jpeg (549.89 KB)


  Small Clutch Plates1.jpeg (572.12 KB)


  Small Bell Housing.jpeg (382.72 KB)