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

My transmission was rebuilt by a well known Packard transmission guy. Sometimes the car will not back up. Sometimes it seems like its in neutral. Other times when you try to backup its like there is something binding up in the trans when you start to leave the clutch out the engine will start to loose rpms but the car will not move back unless you go forward first. What would cause this?

There is a brief description of the mechanical power path in R9s where the OD has reverse lockup issues. You description sounds more mechanical than the electrical problem the article was about but the power flow thru the OD and how it locks up is well described in the article. Reading thru might give a hint as to where to check. Offhand I would wonder that being mostly spring driven, if the lockout sleeve in the OD is sliding as it should. For a more complete detail of the R9 mechanical operation there is also a service training manual.

Almost certain that the overdrive locking sleeve is hanging up or the little tab on the reverse shift fork that is supposed to push the sleeve to the rear is worn. When it acts up, try pulling your lockout knob out all the way.