Re: Carl's 1952 Packard 300

Posted by Carl Madsen On 2009/1/28 13:07:17

Here's my plan on tracking down my overheating problem; thanks DanL!

I will take the freeze plugs out so that I can force water and air blasts in at those spots as well. I will take a 12 -15 inch long copper tube (1/4 inch dia) and make a nozzle-wand for the end of my compressed air line. I'll make a bend on the end to get down in the crevices too, through the freeze plug holes and the distribution tube also. That is a way to more fully clean out the water flow areas of the block and the bottom of the water jacket that is along the distributor side of the engine block (where the freeze plugs are). The combo of water pressure and air blasts can loosen up most of the gunk. The block and water jacket can get 50 to 70 years of rust, residue, and sludge down in bottom of those crevices. Maybe I will find that the water jacket is fairly free of sludge (but I doubt it). And this way I will know that I have optimal water flow through my engine. Earl (Minnesota Packards tech advisor) also used a de-greasing liquid in the block afterward because the he said it had a scum on the walls of the water flow area.