Re: engine is out... now what do I do?

Posted by Owen_Dyneto On 2012/5/23 9:04:22

Keegan, experiences with the Packard V8 vary considerably, some having problems at relatively low mileages and others running happily along to 100,000 miles or more with no significant problems. Why the differences has been subject to lots of speculation, on this forum and elsewhere.

My own 56 now has about 94,000 miles, excellent compression and superb oil pressure, burns no oil, and to my knowledge has never been apart for service and thus still has the original oil pump and internal parts. I did pull some main and rod caps at about 79,000 and found nothing of concern. My only reason for pointing this out is that if your lower end checks out OK, even with those compression values your engine may be serviceable for many thousands more miles without problems. The results of your Plastigage readings on the bearings/journals will go a long way to determining whether you should rebuild now or not.