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

I have discussed this issue with many owners and I wonder if there is not a hidden fix somewhere that I am not aware of. On flat roads where the engine is not under a great load the car shifts fine, but put it on a hill and it will often make a grinding sound when shifting. Bob Aller and the guy in New Jersey who used to do Ultramatics, as well once told me that it is nearly impossible to locate the source of the problem once the unit is rebuilt. They advised to let off theh accelerator momentarily to let the transmision shift and it solves the problem. I can see a salesman trying that one on a 1953 customer!

Many years ago, after draining and refilling my Twin Ultramatic with Dexron, I encountered a low, moaning type of noise going into Direct Drive, under light throttle and typically on a low grade. However, I found that I could work around the problem with the accelerator pedal: either back off and wait until the road leveled off, or put my foot into it a little to kickdown from converter and get it over with quick.

Others have reported similar noise in Direct Drive with other Ultramatics. In another thread, one member recently described the sound as "mooing".

If this sounds like what you're experiencing, know that several owners have reported relief after switching to Type F fluid or equivalent. See the FAQ on ULTRAMATIC: What Fluid to Use.

If not, then perhaps others with more experience in rebuilding these transmissions can provide some additional insight.

An Ultramatic in good working order should neither groan, moan, moo, or make any other unusual sounds when locking up into direct drive. The lock-up should be quiet and nearly imperceptible. Yes, they can moan or groan for thousands of miles and the technique of either backing of the accelerator or giving it more gas to a higher speed does minimize the condition. But somewhere down the road it will probably require attention - Ross can comment with much better authority on these matters.

Packard did make several changes to the clutch disk face for various reasons--slip being the most common-- but It could be the direct drive clutch has gotten hard, glazed or just plain deteriorated over the years, particularly if still the original. Many have reported a groan noise but not a harsh shift or grinding that I remember.

Kanter's 2005 catalog listing (latest I have) for direct drive clutch states: "If your transmission slips in Direct Drive (over 30 mph) or groans into top gear, your Direct Drive clutch has become hardened and lost it's proper friction quality."

I don't recall if it was on a 54 or 56, but by fiddling with the throttle rod linkage I was able to correct most of the "groan"

BTW...did you know that Yamaha now has the Ultramatic trademark?

"Not only will the Rhino get you almost anywhere, it'll get you there with an amazingly high level of comfort and ease, thanks to its powerful engine, Ultramatic transmission and long-travel four-wheel independent suspension. No other side by side vehicle delivers a charge like this: you get unsurpassed power, handling, great ride comfort and convenience."

Quote:

My '56 Patrician did this until I started using B&M TrickShift. After that, it didn't make any unusual noises and shifted just fine. That's why I HIGHLY recommend it in ALL Ultramatics, even freshly rebuilt ones.

G'day pack1948,
See you've been a PackardInfo member for quite some time but first post, so

And a request, could you please include your '53 Caribbean in the Packard Owner's Registry here, together with a pic, any known history and how you acquired it?