Re: Timing Question about 5682s

Posted by BH On 2013/8/31 12:20:18

Mike -

I believe patgreen's query on the Utica engine plant identification number location was prompted by a deviation from the book specs for timing on very early production 374s - per SC Vol. 29, No. 12 (p. 65).

Because the VN number could not be applied until an engine was staged for vehicle assembly at Conner, Utica stamped its own unique identification number for tracking purposes. (I'm not sure about its use on short blocks or cylinder and piston assemblies.)

However, the main point of that SC article is now moot, in this particular case, since the owner advised (in post #20 of this thread) that his car has the later distributor (#1110880) - per STB 56T-14.

Not sure why Packard advised leaving those early engines set at 5-degrees, as there's no disclosure of any mechanical differences from subsequent production - until STB 56T-14. Even with the later distributor/conversion, that bulletin specifies base timing of 10-degrees, but then goes on to recommend dialing that back to 7- or even 5-degrees, if needed.

Still, thanks for the casting number reference - always good info to have.