Classic/Antique Car Repair: Packard overdrive, clutch linkage, shift linkage

Question

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Follow up question
Hi Dick - Thank you for your response. I apologize for possibly not clearly stating my problem, With the OD engaged (cable "in"), it is extremely difficult to shift into reverse. Only by working the shift lever back and forth and partially releasing the clutch, am I able to eventually shift into reverse. Once in reverse, the OD cable can very easily be pulled to the lockout position. There is no problem shifting into reverse when the OD cable is in the lockout position. With the car completely stopped and in neutral (or any gear other than reverse) it is impossible to pull out the OD lever. Only when in reverse (and that is a hit or miss proposition) does the cable easily pull out. I hope this clarifies what my problem is. Thanks again for your help.
Charlie Cain


Answer
OK, Thanks, Charlie.

It is possible that you are suffering from more than one problem - since you mention having to partly release the clutch to get into reverse.  This implies that the shift linkage in the transmission is also somewhat balky, or else the synchros in the trans are getting tired, but the fact that you don't have to fiddle with the clutch when the OD cable is all the way out shoots that theory down, as the only thing different about putting it in reverse with the cable pulled is that you don't have to lock out the overunning clutch - so I still think the problem is in the lockout mechanism.  

I must admit I cannot understand why fiddling with the clutch helps- that remains a mystery to me.  I cannot imagine any even remote possibility of the clutch operation affecting the overdrive lockout.   I guess if I had the car here in my shop, I'd put it up on the lift and watch what happens when the driver tries to put in in reverse - maybe the overdrive cable is somehow routed incorrectly and interfereing with the shift or clutch linkage. Can you slither under there far enough to get a look at what's happening?  It is also possible that if the cable is not routed correctly, that the shift or clutch linkage is making the lockout cable bind up - I think you need to do a visual inspection of what is going on.

I'm out of ideas on this at the moment.  Take a look under there and give me a report, please.

Thanks,

Dick