Re: Unidentified engine noise?

Posted by Rusty O\'Toole On 2009/4/7 15:34:09

"While driving in what I'm assuming was (D) Drive I I started hearing a little click click click on every stroke"

Probably a lifter, could be sticky because of sitting around. If this is the case, it should cure itself by the time the engine warms up. Or, you could add some Rislone or Bardahl (says frees sticky lifters on the can).

Hope it's not a weak oil pump. But it could be. There are lots of posts on this if you search.

"Also while driving I heard starting today what sounds like an angry heater blower, but was coming from under the dash or in engine bay. Heater blower was off."

Was the speedo needle jumpy? Your speedo cable needs to be greased every 30 or 40 years. Unscrew it off the tranny, pull out the cable, wipe it clean with a rag, coat it with speedo grease and put it back in. You can buy a little tube of speedo grease at a parts store for $1.79 and it will last you about 100 years. Do not grease the top 6" or 1 foot of the cable, you do not want the grease to work its way into the speedo.

"Where should your needle generally read, (for generator) on the dash cluster? Mine seems to flip out sometimes."

When the starter is turning it should read discharge, when you rev the engine it should go to charge, as you drive along the needle should slowly come down. After 5 or 10 miles it should ride just above the neutral point. If it jumps around the voltage regulator is sticking.

"What tranny fluid should I use for the PB Ultramtric? (Sorry I know this has been asked multiple times now)"

Others have said that B&M brand fluid, used in racing transmissions, is best and will even cure "iffy" transmissions by cleaning out sludge and dirt, and rejuvinating the bands and plates.

And where do I fill it?
Any additives I should use?
Can I trust a shop to fill my trans for the first time in a while?

"What should my oil gauge read (typically)?
I'm doing an oil change soon with a fresh filter, what type/weight/additives do I need?"

10 or 15 lbs at idle, hot, and 30 to 40 @30MPH or more I would guess to be the minimum for a healthy engine. Not exactly sure if this applies to Packards but is a general rule.

"What's the name of the additive for unleaded gas, or should I just use premium?"

What is your compression ratio? Your octane should look like the compression ratio. A 1955 with 8.1:1 or 8.5:1 compression can use regular. A 1955 352 with 9.5:1 can use hi test. A 1956 374 Executive, Patrician or Caribbean with 10:1 may need an octane boosting additive.

To preserve your valves a little Redex, Bardahl or similar upper cylinder oil is good insurance. But for normal driving, the danger of valve seat recession is way overblown.