Car Would Not Shift Gears Any Advice

hdsn49

I took my 49 Brougham to a car show in New Britain, CT today. I had no problems driving out there. Once we got to the show I had to drive over a half mile to a field to park. I was behind several other cars and a horse drawn wagon. I could not go over 5 miles per hour hence I had to keep my foot on the clutch most of the time. When I finally got to were I was supposed to park I could not get the car out of first gear. I checked the linkage and could find no problems.



Someone told me that my clutch was stuck because I could change gears when the engine was off. After about 30 minutes the car was able to shift and I was able to drive the car home with no problem. Do you think that the clutch witch has less than 1000 miles on it could have become overheated and got stuck? Could it be low on clutch fluid?



I changed the clutch fluid on the car last year after I drove it for about 200 miles. Should I change it again? Is there an adjustment that should be made to the clutch linkage?



Hudsonly,

Ed Firestone

SuperDave

Change the clutch oil again. I have experienced the same problem years ago with my 49 eight. The clutch gets hot and expands enough to keep it slightly engaged. No fun in the drive thru at McDonalds! This is often due to a new disc that is a bit too thick. Clifford sold a bunch of them years ago. Had to use two presuure plate gaskets. Having too much fluid will do the same thing. Kind of like a fluid coupleing. I bet you will be OK with a change of Hudsonite. Your problem is the one to have. A slipping clutch is a lot more serious. Good Luck and keep driving the Hudson.

Dave w.

[Deleted User]

I have the same problem with my 52 Hornet. When I sit in a line of traffic the stick shift lever feels like it's welded in place, and won't move. I was told it had to be the clutch. I put a new clutch, pressure plate, and throw out bearing in the car 4 years ago. That did not cure the problem. I was then told the clutch pressure plate and throwout bearing I put in (even though new ) were bad. I bought another complete set up and spent over 1,000 dollars on clutch set ups, but it still does the same thing. After it sets for an hour or less it frees up and shifts again. I've also changed the Hudsonite several times and tried two gaskets but nothing helps. I'm thinking of converting it to automatic.