Packard Forum Index » Post-War (1946-54)

Quote:

The factory way was to have a pump like device add fluid to the dipstick opening under the car when the car was at the dealer. Obviously impractical for some who want to add at home. If you want to do it from under the car you can get a small hand operated transfer pump from Harbor Freight which will do the job.

Alternately on 50-54 original type Ultramatics you can move the front seat to the rear and fold back the carpet from under the seat -- probably passenger side is easier -- and just in front of the seat in the middle of the transmission hump will be a screwed on plate. Remove the plate and under it you should see an air breather. Unscrew the breather being careful not to get dirt inside the trans or if loose enough, pry off the dust cap and pull out the mesh. You can use a small funnel to add fluid thru that opening but you will still need to follow instructions to check the level from under the car.

shift shaft seal passenger side. and a cooling line going into the pan

I dont have the proper cap for mine. its an old bottle cap. I find that does not work well for adding fluid. It would take 30 mins or so to put in even a quart. Not counting what you will spill. I have no choice at this point. but I dont see that happening now till spring. if then. I know its very low. pretty sure i figured I lose 1 qt every 160 miles. and I have no way to get under the car. Should probably sell it. but I would lose my butt

ok 3 times in 2 years. 5 times in 3 years

Quote:
Not knowing exactly what your setup might be it is hard to comment but it should not take near that long to add fluid. If you are using something with a spout that completely keeps air from exiting as you add fluid, yes that can slow things down as air builds up pressure inside as it tries to escape but the hole the breather screws into is fairly good size so with a decent funnel fluid shouldn't take terribly long to flow.

Been lots of years since I filled one this way but do remember well the old 51 Patrician I drove thru high school. The car never left me walking in spite of all the atrocities a poor teenager with little to no funds for routine maintenance committed against it. It was definitely a leaker and that breather opening and I were on a first name basis. Trans got the good stuff but it is also surprising how well the engine held up running with an occasional new quart but mostly with used oil from the drain tank at the filling station.

lol, understood. Can't really use a funnel. you couldn't see when the thing is going to overflow. even then I can only pour a small stream in. even then it will overflow. that is why I quoted such a long time to add fluid. I actually gave up using that method due to spillage. And only used a half full qt container for better aim. it didn't help much. and I have no clue how low it is. got to be over 2 qts low. that is why I wont drive the car anywhere till i get more fluid in her. this has been an on going issue ever since I got the car. Never had the time (Work) or now $$$ (Retirement) To address the issue. Other than the interior the only other issue the car has is replacing the power steering components back to the way it was from the factory. Oh yeah, forgot when I get the level up to the shift shaft it will start leaking again. lol

Some manufacturers sell ATF in bags which allow for easier access and squeeze to fill.

Interesting. I will have to see what I have been putting in. I cant remember. I better set aside an hour or so to fill it lol. thanks for the info

I'm not sure I see the need for such a modification as the fluid should last almost indefinitely unless you have a bad leak. Fix the leak, fill it and don't worry about it again!

They only reason for the query was so I could actually drive the car till i got the issues fixed. As It would be a chore to install, that option is off the table. (Never wanted to do it in the first place) but of course, so is driving the car till I can address the issues. I will have to get it part way out of the storage unit to attempt to add fluid as My potato shaped body will not allow me any comfort while I attempt to get any fluid in the trans. How ever long it takes. And judging from past experience, it will not only be not fun, and slow, but messy as well