Am I reading it correct that the Packard 245 does not use a rear crankshaft seal? Just an oil slinger. John

Yes, through 1947 the Six (both 237 and 245) used a slinger, as did the 257 and 282 versions of the 120 engine, and the senior 8-cylinder 320 and 385 motors of the 1920s and 1930s. I'd have to check but I believe the Twelve did as well. The slingers were very commonly employed in the industry and very effective, it's rare to ever see a drop from my 1934 Eight unless parked at an extreme nose-up incline.

The 356 introduced as a new engine for 1940 used a conventional graphited cord rear seal. Then with the intro of the 288 and 327 motors for the 22nd series, all Packards had traditional soft rear seals.

I responded here from memory, if I've got a detail wrong, someone please correct me.

Thanks Owen

As Dave (Owen_Dyneto) said, there is indeed no rear seal on these engines and I’ve never had even as much as a drip from any of mine.