Re: 1940 160 SUPER 8 OIL PRESSURE QUESTIONS

Posted by Tim Cole On 2012/10/28 17:24:29

Dear John:

This thread has been dragging. For your car the Packard oil pressure specification is 50 psi at 45 mph, so your motor is worn.

How long before it quits is dependent on how you use it. If you keep it off the highways and stay under 55 mph it could last for years of occasional usage such as local parades and such. Don't plan on any trips though.

A full repair would include cam bearings. A general idea as to wear could be had from checking a few bearings with Plastigage. The car may have been switched to detergent oil without dropping the oil pan, valve covers, and cleaning out the sludge, but the lifters are quiet so maybe it's just worn out.

Hope this helps you avoid burning out a rod bearing.