What size packing material for my 1923 Hudson transmission seals

rhurst
rhurst Member
in "How To" - Skills, mechanical and other wise

Just finished installing a rebuilt clutch for my 1923 Super Six and before I reinstall the transmission I thought I would try to stop the leaks on both ends and where the drive shaft enters the rear end. Found that there are no gaskets but packing material. Does anyone know the size of the packing cord that I should use?

Robert

Answers

  • Geoff
    Geoff Senior Contributor

    Was originally felt washers.

  • rhurst
    rhurst Member

    If they were felt washers where do I get them and what sizes? Will the packing material work as a substitute if we can't find the washers? Looking at the transmission I can't imagine getting a felt washer in there without taking everything apart.

    Robert

  • rhurst
    rhurst Member

    Hello Geoff,

    Was able to find the felt washers from Olson's Gaskets in Washington State. He had the technical specs on all of them and is able to make whatever we need. He also has the packing material in all sizes. If anyone else has a need their phone number is 360-871-1207. E-mail address www.olsonsgaskets.com

    Robert

  • rhurst
    rhurst Member

    Geoff,

    This is what I found inside after I took off the wheel. Since it is not leaking and nothing seems to be wrong with the rear wheels I think I need to leave well enough alone. I guess the bearings are being lubricated by the fluid in the rear end which I have drained and refilled.

    Robert

  • Geoff
    Geoff Senior Contributor

    Technically, the bearings are sealed off from the inner differential by the inner felt washer, and there is another felt washer in the bearing cap. If the bearings are full of gear oil it is only a matter of time before the oil gets out over the brake linings. You should replace the inner seal, and re-pack the bearings with grease.

  • rhurst
    rhurst Member

    So the felt washer is inside the cap that I am seeing? The fact that all is sealed is no guarantee that the bearings are in grease and not oil?

    Robert

    Hudson Rear wheel inside.jpg


  • Geoff
    Geoff Senior Contributor

    Affirmative! If you unscrew the cap, first of all remove the locking bolt and remove the lock bar that sits in the groove. Then drive a a chisel into the gap and spread the housing so that it makes it easy to remove. When re-installing, make sure you have both axles off the ground, and screw the cap in until there is no free play, but not binding.

  • rhurst
    rhurst Member

    Just the information that I needed. Geoff you're the BEST!

    Robert

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