OT: Walnut Shells?
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Logistics Pro
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From: u-rah-rah Wisconsin
OT: Walnut Shells?
So I'm reading Earl Swift's 'The Big Roads' about the interstate highway program (it's great, thanks for asking) and it has triggered a 'what the' question.
The author claims that in the mid-sixties ground walnut shells were used in automatic transmissions. Really?
Educate me oh wise ones of FTE.
The author claims that in the mid-sixties ground walnut shells were used in automatic transmissions. Really?
Educate me oh wise ones of FTE.
Cargo Master
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 2,916
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From: Houston
I haven't heard of sawdust in an automatic before. I have heard of sawdust in a rear axle and in manual transmissions. This was talked about in The Grapes of Wrath.
edit: 56panelford beat me to it by 7 minutes...
edit: 56panelford beat me to it by 7 minutes...
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Logistics Pro
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From: u-rah-rah Wisconsin
Yup, I get the whole sawdust thing: readily available, absorbs fluids, and deadens sound. Walnut shells would seem the polar opposite.
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Believe Nothing
Joined: Jun 2004
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From: W. Central FL.
I've heard of and can see how it could work using some kind of solid stuff in a gear box or differential but knowing how an automatic transmission works, I call bovine feces. Walnut shells, sawdust, anything granular or heavy would be the very quick death of an automatic tranny. Perhaps as a friction component of a band? Otherwise, BF.
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FTE Legend
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From: northwestern Ontario
No problem, it wasn't a race,lol
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Logistics Pro
Joined: Jun 2011
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From: u-rah-rah Wisconsin
I'm liking Bob's response - with a period source no less! The book's mention wasn't specific as to how the shells were consumed. This answer seems most likely.
I say we show up at Bob's place in a couple of weeks to celebrate. Thanks Bob!
I say we show up at Bob's place in a couple of weeks to celebrate. Thanks Bob!
Hotshot
Joined: Jan 2001
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From: SE Wisc. (the Rust Belt)
Hotshot
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 16,867
Likes: 3,100
From: SE Wisc. (the Rust Belt)
Duane, you bring the cake and I'll have the pies (read my latest Dairlyland Truckfest post https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...l#post14612381)
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Logistics Pro
Joined: Jun 2011
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From: u-rah-rah Wisconsin
Duane, you bring the cake and I'll have the pies (read my latest Dairlyland Truckfest post https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...l#post14612381)
