Re: New Packard owner questions....

Posted by Loyd Smith On 2008/10/30 12:35:14

I live in Orlando and have used the (CI-4 formulation) Rotella since having had the engine in my '55 Pat rebuilt in 2004. During the late 1950s and early 1960s, in West Texas, we used 10W-30 Havoline, high detergent motor oil, year-round with good result. Like gasoline, the formulation of oils has changed. I use the Rotella, Diesel grade CI-4 oil because (to me and I am no chemist nor engineer) it would seem to be closer to what the cars need. The Rotella is becoming harder to find in the CI-4 formulation - being replaced by a new formulation with less (as I understand) ZDDP additive.

As previously advised, drop your oil pan and clean out the sludge. It is highly unlikely that your car was run on anything other than detergent motor oil but, even so, an accumulation of sludge and deposits may have accumulated depending upon how often and how thoroughly the car was serviced. Clean it out, examine the oil pump pick up and ensure that it's clean and you should be good.

Congratulations on your car. It looks to have been an exceptional buy.