Re: Engine rattle

Posted by Owen_Dyneto On 2008/12/20 17:04:36

I don't know what Packard you have but I'm guessing because you said "H" and "D" that you have a 56 with pushbutton? Yes, using "H" will give much longer transmission life if you've got the least tendency towards jack-rabbit starts.

I understand exactly what Turbopackman is talking about with the clutch disc and in fact I had the same situation myself years back and cured it the same way, but its pretty easy found to differentiate between clutch sounds and preignition, the former is more of a groan and you described rattles - so I'm sure you're experiencing preignition.

Perhaps you should see an old-timer mechanic if you're not up to this, but timing is retarded by loosing the distributor hold down clamp and rotating the body of the distributor. From your description you need to retard the spark, that is, to have it occur later. So rotate the distributor body A DEGREE OR TWO in the direction that the rotor rotates. But better mark where it is first in case you overdo it. I just loosen the clamp slightly and tap the vacuum advance lightly with a small hammer. But you can be a lot more precise by using a timing light.