Clutch, trans, and overdrive 1941 problems

[Deleted User]
[Deleted User]
edited July 2011 in HUDSON
After rebuilding the wheel cylinders and master cylinder on my '41 I thought I would enjoy a drive to a local show a few weeks back. The ride over leading my friend in his 25 Chevy streetrod was uneventful. Unfortunately I can't say the same for the return trip. It was very hot out (100+) with stop and go traffic at first and then open highway...

As I entered the main highway heading up a fairly steep bridge the old girl started acting up. It felt like the clutch was slipping and I just assumed that maybe it was low on fluid or worse, going out. I limped up and over the bridge and pulled over in safe place. I pulled the trans cover to see what I could see thinking that there may be some linkage issues etc.

Anyway, to make a long story short I called another friend who came out and towed the wounded duck in. The next day I began making a futile attempt at troubleshooting the problem(s). I started by inspecting the linkage, OD cables etc. and everything "looked" OK. Still having difficulty (nearly impossible) to get shifter in reverse and 1st. Thinking that clutch fluid may be low I added a couple of onces of Hudsonite and let the car sit over night.

Next day still no trans action... no grinding while running and shifting into gear with or without using the clutch.

So before go much further on this and jerk the trans to swap out the clutch I thought I'd toss this out to the forum for suggestions and answers...

Is there any easy way to determine if the trans/overdrive is locked in the free wheeling position?

Should I completely drain the clutch, flush and refill with recommended fluid and try again?


What else should I be looking for?

Additional Background:

I have the maintenence manual for the vehicle, trans and overdrive.

I was unable to get the car in reverse and 1st gear (when the car would engage in 2nd and 3rd).

The vacuum assist shifting system was removed a while ago.

Wire to the solenoid on the drivers side of the trans is not connected to anything.

I'm not sure if the governor/solinoid on the right side of the tranny is working (or has any affect on this problem).

Any help will be appreciated... Sorry for the length of this post...:unsure:

Thanks,

Craig

Comments

  • Marconi
    Marconi Senior Contributor
    First off, if you're having trouble getting it into 1st and reverse, check the adjustment of the crossover cable. It's at the bottom of the steering column. This cable shifts between the 1st and rev and the 2nd and 3rd gates in the transmission. There's only one shift lever and it shifts all four gears. the cable selects which gate you're in! There's a , I think, 5/16" bolt on the side of the die cast clamp that goes around the mast jacket and the treads for this bolt sometimes strip out causing the problem you're having. On to the overdrive. The solenoid AND the governor must be hooked up for the overdrive to work or the transmission will just freewheel instead of shifting into overdrive. The solenoid shifts the O.D. in and out and the governor won't let it shift in 'till about 28mph. There's also a shutoff switchon the cable right behind the dashboard that must be hooked up and working also. If you've got a Motor's Manual from about 1950 or earlier it gives you the troubleshooting proceedure for it. Good luck.
  • Marconi
    Marconi Senior Contributor
    Forgot to address your clutch issue, I would drain, flush, refill, and adjust the clutch and see if that makes a difference. Like the man said, " What the hell, it can't hurt" and the dollar expenditure is small, a pint of acetone and 6 oz. of clutch fluid, what $10.00 to $15.00 ?
  • [Deleted User]
    [Deleted User]
    Thanks... I will take your advice and see what happens. I have adjusted the cable on the column in the past and the bolt tightens fine...

    Maybe Dr. Doug can weigh in on this also...

    I think everyone cringes when they see a post about Hudson clutches :woohoo: :lol:


    Thanks
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