Re: OIL PUMP PACKS IT IN?

Posted by Jim On 2013/9/17 22:07:05

Interesting reading this, and the many, many, many others who've talked about oil pressure issues with the Packard V-8 including a fellow I knew well that worked for ECA Los Angeles citing similar issues from the day they were new. I really admire all the folks who work so diligently at better understanding why the Packard V-8 has exhibited chronic issues readily known from the day they were new. It'd be really interesting to know exactly why that was. In reading all these reports, I've come to realize my neighbor Walt was right... the V=8 had some sort of oiling issue.

It's really fascinating to read all the fixes various clubs and individuals have come up with. Thick plates, bushings, denial of any problem in the first place, and sundry other approaches. What's more interesting than that has got to be the rate of recorded repeat issues with the sundry modified versions. Yet in all that... there are those staunch believers that the favorite flavor of modified Packard pump solved everything and that's that. I really admire the belief and confidence. Yet... I personally know an individual who experienced bearing failure and crank damage with 45,000 miles and a modified Packard pump. Bad luck maybe? Don't know. Sure would make a fine research project though.

Now me... I'm just too darn impatient. Literally, I have the patience of an infant. Did a little research on the '40 356 and discovered Packard experienced similar but less catastrophic problems with the 356. Oh, they did all sorts of things... Jiggle pin air bleed was the problem, then a new piston regulator in block was the problem, lifters were regularly blamed. Well, darned if after 7 years they didn't say the oil pump volume was found to be insufficient and all service replacements were superseded to the higher volume pump. I installed when doctoring up my tired old engine. Friend here in town did total rebuild to '40 356. Eventually had clacking lifters. Put the high volume pump in and what do you know... problem solved! Funny, when you compare the tooth configuration of the low volume to high volume 356 pumps, it's the identical visual to the Packard V-8 pump to the Olds HV pump gear profile. Strange coincidence. I realize I should have researched the why and how. Should have done flow analysis and looked for possible reasons why the low volume pump wasn't working and keeping up with demand. But... like I said, I have the patience of an infant. I know I should question things, and not just accept a known cure, to a known problem. But... just to many other vehicles to work on and enjoy I guess.

Oddly, in the years I've known of the kit the V-8 guys came up with, and Craig made available, I've never ever heard of any oiling issue what so ever with that kit. Wonder if that's just a coincidence? Sure is funny how that's worked out. But... Craig no longer provides the complete kit. It was time consuming and fairly expensive to produce and in the grand scheme of things woefully few sold in comparison to V-8's with known oiling issues and clacking lifters. How strange. But... Jack Vines in cooperation with Craig once again made this comprehensive kit available. What good fortune for V-8 owners with oiling system issues.

Here's the thing, I don't have a Packard V-8, but really like them! I believe I might end up with one some day. But, I worry... What if Jack stops selling the comprehensive kit? Then what? I couldn't gamble on when, not if the Packard pump would fail me. How much is the kit? I think I should maybe buy a kit from Jack just in case I end up with a V-8 car. I sure couldn't drive a V-8 without putting the pump in before I ever drove it. Reason being, in following all these V-8 cars with issues, I've learned that while no pinpointed explanation is evident for the failure, the conversion pump seems like, for whatever reason, to cure the problem in it's entirety!

How much is the kit? Surely, it must be far more reasonable than damaging bearing, crank, cam & lifters. I think I'd like to buy a kit in the near future and have one less worry should I find just the right V-8 car someday!