Do all V-8 oil filters leak? I have tried repeatedly to stop the leak on both the inlet and outlet tubes On a 1955 Packard V-8 to no avail. I have since ordered a new set of premade tubes from classic tubes hoping that this will correct the situation but that remains to be seen. So if there are any wise wizards out there that have a solution for leaking oil filters. I would really love to hear it.



While getting my 55 352 and cubic inch V-8 running for the first time in 40 years and getting it up to temperature, In addition to the oil leaks, There was a puddle of water on the floor. I couldn't determine where it came from. Initially, after some , time, I noticed discoloration on the driver side cylinder head just above the central exhaust port, photo attached. I hope this is not a common occurrence with this engine. Previously I acquired a 32 0 cubic inch V-8 that was installed in a Hudson. Looking at the specs in the Packard repair manual. It appears that these heads are interchangeable. Hopefully this will be true. This also remains to be seen.

Neighbor came over and helped troubleshoot my electrical problem. Found current leaking through the ignition switch in off the off position. Ordered new switch from Max. Should have it by the end of the week. Expect problem solved.
Thanks for the input, much appreciated.
Happy

I'm in the process of putting my 55 400 back together. I'm trying to get it to fire for the first time in 49 years. The engine has been rebuilt (long story). The first step was to get wiring back so that the engine turned with the ignition switch. Found switch to be bad. Change switched. Okay engine turns with the key. But no, spark. New coil points and condenser from Napa. Installed the new parts and got spark from the coil wire, but now coil is heating up! Disconnect the battery. With the key out disconnected the ground wire from the distributor to the coil. Reattached battery ,touched wired to coil, spark. Somehow have bypassed the ignition switch - I think?? I have double checked the distributor wiring as well as the ignition switch both check out to wiring diagram. I really don't know where to check next. Any help would be deeply appreciated. Thanks. Happy

Yep! sure looks like a thick felt washer. Kind of like I almost remembered.
Thanks!!

Happy

I am currently putting parts back on my 55 400 hardtop. The dashes in, and a repainted steering column is in place, but not yet tightened up. Before it is, I seem to recall the presence of a felt washer, dust seal, at the lower end of the, inside the tube and over the shaft near the steering box. It's been a few years since I dismantled the unit for painting, and although numerous pictures were taken, none included this area. What I can attest to is the large amount of lubricant coating the steering shaft when it was removed from the car. The parts manual doesn't show any seal. Any help on this is deeply appreciated.

happy

I like it! and its something I can try. Have done some faux finishing in the past and like to "experiment" Thanks!

happy

The dash panel on these cars has a perforated aluminum overlay that I believe was originally gold anodized. Over time, mine has faded so the gold color is no longer prevalent.
Any suggestions on bringing it back to factory appearance?
I called a local anodizer, listed on the Internet, but they are only interested in large volume applications. Gold spray paint looks a little tacky. Gold specta chrome paint will fill up the perforations and is not acceptable.
happy

I think so. Short term memory loss. As I recall I think that's how the ball stud fits into the sleeve. Removing the burr should not hurt any thing. Good luck.

Happy

The O ring as part of the kit is not needed and should not be installed. Since I was curious to see what would happen if I installed the O ring, I tried it in two different locations one in front of the seal and one behind the seal. In both cases, the control valve did not function properly, resulting in no power assist.
I did talk to Max, they indicated that this kit could be used in other applications. Hence the extra part.
So, my advice would be just to install the new seal and lock nut.
Happy

Replaced original? seals with correctly sized set from a local hydraulic repair shop, but leak persists.
Ordered repair kit from Packard parts suplier. In addition to the two seals it contained an"O" ding that is not shown in the parts or service manuals It appears to be sized to fit the control valve spool bolt.
I would deeply appreciate information on the proper placement of this O ring.
Thanks Happy