Re: Metallic oil in a 327 engine and running noises

Posted by Don Shields On 2014/10/12 1:10:57

Firstly, welcome to the world of Packard ownership and to packardinfo.com. Regarding the oil pressure light coming on after warmup at idle, that's normal. The '54 Packard Owner's Manual has this to say about the oil pressure indicator on page 7 of section 2: "This indicator sometimes will light up or will flicker when the engine is idling even though the idle oil pressure is adequate; however, the light should go out when the engine is speeded up. If the signal light remains illuminated after the engine speed is increased the engine should be shut off and the cause of the trouble determined and corrected." My oil light will always come on when idling, warm. If I shift the Ultramatic into neutral or rev the engine slightly, it will go out. It's been this way ever since I bought the car nine years ago.

Regarding the caking, if it is just carbon it should be non-metallic, although carbon can be very shiny and look metallic. It could just be a byproduct of combustion settling out of the oil and not particularly an item of concern as your mechanic stated. Still, you might want to check the choke and make sure it is opening fully after warmup. Also, you might want to check the crankcase ventilation system (the oil filler cap) and make sure the mesh filter is not clogged with dirt. If the engine sat unused for a long period I would also check the road draft tube on the right side of the engine to make sure it is open and clear. Insects and rodents can build nests in the weirdest of places.

Since this engine as well as the car line are new to you, the noises just might be normal; just about every engine series, antique or modern have their own auditory idiosyncrasies and can make noises that do not indicate trouble. Your mechanic may not be familiar with Packards but he should be able to recognize abnormal noises like bottom end rapping, top end/valvetrain noises, water pump bearing failing, etc. I don't know what an oil pump coming apart would sound like, but I'd imagine there would be detectible oil pressure problems should that be happening. If the noises are not very loud and he's unable to locate the source of the noise with his stethoscope they just might be normal for the engine. You could ask him if he thinks the noises are something you should worry about.