Re: Engine Cooling Concerns

Posted by Owen_Dyneto On 2015/4/5 11:53:52

Of all Packards the 22nd/23rd series 8s and Su8s (not the Customs) seem to be the most critical with regard to the adequacy of the cooling system as they get older.

1. No fan shroud.
2. If it really is running hot (more than 10-20 degrees over the thermostat value), then I'd suggest:

a. Simply cleaning the radiator isn't adequate, you should have a gravity flow-rate test performed.
b. Pull the water pump, check the impeller clearance.
c. Remove and clean the water distribution tube.
d. With the tube out, and possibly one or more core plugs removed, physically clean as much of the water jackets as you can, followed after reassembly by the traditional oxalic acid cleaning regimen.
e. Check all of the other things that can be associated with overheating such as blown headgasket, retarded ignition timing, restricted or undersized exhaust components, weak (soft) lower radiator hose collapsing, dragging brakes, incorrect fan belt width and adjustment, lean mixture, vacuum leaks, fan-to-core clearance, etc.