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GENERATOR Before I went to Les Schwab to re-adjust the brakes, I had to switch generators. I'm an expert at this now. One rule I discovered of mechanical repair Always Fasten the Most Difficult Bolt to Align First. In this case the front bolt had to go through three holes.

BRAKES: Again a perfect job by Les Schwab. Unfortunately, only in the West.
http://lesschwab.know-where.com/lesschwab/cgi/index?design=default&lang=en&mapid=US&mapid=US

CLUTCH: My clutch it slipping in 3rd under strain because I think there is oil on the clutch. Gary Brinton has replacements for $125 or so. I don't think I should drive those 700 miles without replacing the current one. I don't think there's a way to clean it without pulling it out. I did add copper washers on the back section of the oil pan and the pan has been sealed recently., but the horse is out of the barn.

In the meantime, the car is running beautifully. Am I happy or what?

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Joe, I see we prefer the same hair style. Yeah, you look like a happy guy.

(o{}o)

Trying to keep a cap on that bald head in hot weather. Yesterday bought a chauffeur's cap and provided transportation around Portland for my first wedding gig. Our accountant's daughter. How do you say No when you could find your business in financial ruin? Lots of fun, especially when the husbands sent their wives with me to the after-party at a nearby bar while they walked there.

The joys of Packarding.

The only failure (and there could have been many from temperature, standing at idle, on, off, on again) were my parking lights. The blinkers and stops were fine. My horn didn't hold its clarity with all the honking, so I will need to adjust them.

But worth it for the fun and the compliments on the Duchess. She was in her glory.

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SLIPPING CLUTCH: There's still a fair amount of oil under the car. I'm attempting to remove any oil on the clutch by spraying it with brake fluid. The ideas was to remove the bell housing and spray the face of the clutch.

I removed the bell housing. There was no gasket on it. There was oil on the flange. There is a patina of oil inside the housing.

I expected to see some real space between the flywheel and clutch faceplate. It looks to me like it's about 1/8th of an inch. Is that right? (I pictured maybe an 1-1/2 clearance so I could see the face.

So I should just spray everything, maybe not the bearing, and try to clean the oil, oil residue, whatever, out of there, wiping with a rag?

Also, should I turn the engine over with the starter, no ignition? Then spray again?

If you've done this, please advise.
I'm also going to call a friend.

Thanks,
Joe

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My question was answered and I started spraying, with a respirator mask and the garage door open. Lots of black stuff washing down.

http://www.mktx.com/joe/packard/ClutchWash.m4v

If you're not beside yourself with happiness, then you've got something seriously wrong somewhere! Beautiful car and inspirational blog. Thanks for sharing.

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Joe, where did you find the chauffeur's cap? I've been doing a "Driving Miss Daisy" the last few years for my 90 year old neighbor lady. She loves both my Packards and I think she'd get a real kick out of seeing me in a cap like that.

Thanks so much, Jim. Believe me, I've gotten back much more than I put in here. But my clueless approach and many pictures encourage others to get out and get under.

The cap is from John Helmers, downtown
http://www.johnhelmer.com/prod.itml/icOid/1593
I charged it ahead of time, drove the Packard there, and Cathy came and handed ti me. A crowd gathered instantly. There's a fire hydrant on the Broadway side you can pull into for a few. They have an upscale model for about 3 times this one.

EDIT O, and the first time I sprayed, the garage door was closed and I didn't use a mask. Nearly passed out. Went outside and felt the need to breathe deeply. Quite a buzz. A little scary for the over 70s.

Joe, if you are still working under the car wonder if you would do me a favor and note any particulars or take a picture of the round 3.131 seat between the clutch rod and the throwout lever. If you've finished crawling under, then don't go to extra trouble and I'll keep looking.

Looks like all 356 engines used the same piece as I am missing. I only have the parts up to 3.130 and since vendors don't have the 3.131 item looks like something will have to be made approximating it. Would appreciate knowing the thickness and how it attaches.

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I'm not done yet. Just need a couple more cans of brake cleaner.

I don't think this will be much help. Mine doesn't look kosher. More the work of professionals in whom my faith has waned as I get into issues with the car.

But here are the photos.

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