Stuck HUDSON CLUTCH

Unknown
Unknown
edited November -1 in HUDSON
GREETINGS FELLOW OLD CAR LOVERS. I'M IN THE PROCESS OF HELPING A FRIEND GET HIS 51 HUDSON COMMODORE GOING. THE CAR SAT FOR APPROX 15 YRS. AFTER THE USUAL SERVICING NEEDED BY A CAR SITTING THIS LONG THE ENGINE RUNS GREAT. BUT THE CLUTCH SEEMS TO BE STUCK.

WE TRIED THE OLD TRICK OF STARTING THE CAR IN GEAR, ONCE THE CAR IS MOVING FORWARD AT A SUFFICENT SPEED, THE CLUTCH IS PUSHED IN AND THE GAS PEDAL PUSHED FULL THROTTLE THEN RELEASED SEVERAL TIMES. THIS CREATES A JERKING MOTION THAT ON MANY OTHER CARS WITH A SIMILAR PROBLEM WOULD BREAK THE CLUTCH LOOSE.

IN THIS CASE NO GO AND NOT WISHING TO PUT ANY FURTHER STRAIN ON THE DRIVETRAIN, WE ARE WONDERING:



1. IF ANY ONE CAN OFFER ANY POSSIBLE SOLUTIONS SHORT OF PULLING THE CAR APART.



2. IT LOOKS AS IF THE BELL HOUSING AND TRANSMISSION ARE REMOVED AS ONE ASSEMBLY, AS VS REMOVING THE ENGINE. IF SO ANY TIPS OR TRICKS YOU CAN PASS ON WOULD BE APPRECIATED. WE ARE HOPING NOT TO HAVE TO DO THIS.

I AM A FULL TIME MECHANIC AND COMFORTABLE PERFORMING THESE TYPE OF PROCEDURES, HOWEVER I HAVE BEEN TOLD BY SEVERAL "OLD TIME MECHANICS" THAT MANY CONVERTED THESE VEHICLES TO A CONVENTIONAL CLUTCH AS VS THE HUDSON "WET" CLUTCH. IF SO WHAT PARTS GET USED ?

I WOULD APPRECIATE ANY AND ALL INPUT.



JEFF SCHULTE

609-267-5234 DAYS

856-234-1623 EVES

JEFFERYCAR@AOL.COM

Comments

  • Jon B
    Jon B Administrator
    This is a common problem for Hudsons that have set for any amount of time without running. Go to Ken Cates' Step-Down page at http://members.aol.com/stepdown53/STEPDOWNPG.html and click the CLUTCH link at left. You'll find the formula for a solvent concoction that you can pour into the clutch to loosen things up for a couple days. Rotate it from time to time to distribute things easily. Then try breaking it loose again. Generally these things come apart without surgery. When you get it running again, just drain the concoction and add some new Hudsonite. No need to go to the trouble of installing a dry clutch.
  • Unknown
    Unknown
    I would offer trying what JonB suggested above, first. Second, if you find that this does not work, don't try what you outlined above in your initial post. You might end up with broken parts. The transmission comes out easily, with the floor pan removal, and taking it apart in this manner might be the best second route. Finding broken parts is a lot more expensive and time consuming.



    as far as converting these cars, I don't know what they use, if you get the clutch replaced, and adjusted properly, it will provide superior service, and smooth operation.



    If you do not already belong, consider joining the HET club. They offer thru the club store, many repair manual reprints to assist you thru disassembly, reassembly, the WTN the club publication will also guide you thru finding parts sources, etc... Contact SamJ on the board here, via PM, he will get you set up.



    Best of luck!

    Hudsonkid.
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