Re: hydraulic lifters - 1947 356 cu inch

Posted by Tim Cole On 2016/1/19 19:35:33

Hi John:

Actually that motor should run on 50 psi. I've seen those motors run on as low as 25-30. So I would double check the ignition timing. I never did a Packard motor that didn't start within 2 turns after carefully setting up the ignition system and filling the carburetor bowl. And that includes the hand crank models.

If you are concerned about overbuilt lifters you can check that using compressed air and an adapter. Put a cylinder at TDC and turn on the air. If air leaks out of the intake or exhaust the valves are indeed not seating. Or let the motor sit for a few days and try again.

Another option is to get some portable oxygen and dump it into the intake while cranking. Dumping propane into the manifold will also help.

I would squirt oil into the cylinders and recheck the compression. If the motor is tight compression will be lowered due to slow cranking.

Hope this helps.