Re: What about the 25K 105mph V8 Patrician?

Posted by BH On 2011/4/4 9:32:17

Nope, I've never seen any forensic analysis of this car/engine, either, but I suspect that the endurance run, though observed by AAA, was intended as more of a publicity thing - that is, to show off Packard's new V8 engine to the public (and allay any concerns for an all-new product).

This endurance run began on October 21, 1954. IIRC, the first 55th Series regular production cars did not begin to roll of the assembly line until November 1. So, it wasn't just an early 352-V8, but a PRE-production (pilot) car that was tested. In fact, if you look at pics of that test-Pat (also featured in the Kimes History...), you'll see the car doesn't have the final production "Reynolds Wrap" side trim, but a bare-bones molding treatment, similar to the Clipper Deluxe.

The 25K endurance run was truly quite an accomplishment, then.

However, as regards teething problems, those were uncovered much later. Keep in mind that this endurance run was limited to the high-banked concrete oval. While the full extent of the Proving Grounds' system of roadways, then, were probably more representative of real-world driving conditions than some modern facility in the Sun-Belt, I believe there is no better test track than what one encounters over the course of many miles/seasons of daily driving.

Yet, the V8s weren't the only Packard engines to exhibit hydraulic lifter noise. Working on content for a Service Index to the 41-47 Clippers, I discovered that pre-war Super 8s had similar problems that required replumbing of the filter lines. Continued reports of low oil pressure required redesign of the regulator valve. Ultimately, a high-volume version of the straight-eight pump was offered to address low oil pressure to compensate for engine bearing clearances that had "opened up", as well as pump wear. That last bit doesn't sound much different, in theory, than the high-volume adaptation now available for the V8s.

Nor were the 55-56 Packard engines the only V8s in the industry to exhibit hydraulic lifter noise. For example, a 1957 Buick shop manual that I have makes references to redesign of their V8, including a new style lifter.

Packard switched to an improved lifter design in 1955, but with the curtain falling in 1956, their engineers simply didn't have sufficient time to work out all of the problems. There were some attempts to manipulate flow and pressure in the V8s and enough concern for a sticking pump pressure relief valve that resulted in a redesigned pump for production (and a sump tube for the field retrofit). However, I believe the real problem was premature wear of the pump body and driving shaft interface. Rather than a bushing, Packard - like other manufacturers - had chosen to use a sacrificial casting. Whether the unusual wear in the Packard pump is a metallurgical or lubrication issue is beyond me, but I believe the condition can be effectively remedied by bushing the pump body and repairing or replacing the driving shaft - as has been done for many years, now. (Personally, I plan on adding an oiling groove, as well.)

I have full faith in driving the Packard V8 at interstate speeds. On the 300-mile trip from WV to home, it was a tired old front pump seal in the transmission that let me down, but that failure didn't require a rebuild of the Twin Ultramatic. I think the unique design of the Ultra suffered more from the hands rebuilders who were not factory-trained and never worked in a Packard dealership.