Re: packard 1936 standard 8 1402 engine problems

Posted by Tim Cole On 2014/4/22 17:19:13

Hi Dave:

Standard, small, big, whatever 8. You do get lubrication of the exhaust valve from the crankcase, but on a much smaller scale than the intake. After each exhaust pulse there is a small negative pressure that pulls a little mist into the guide. That is why motors run with valve overlap. So it's important to check the stem clearance.

Make sure as well that the tappet face is parallel to the stem. If a tappet is pushing cock eyed on the valve that will cause problems.

Another issue might be the spring. If one of the coils is weak that might cause a problem.

Make sure as well that none of the crankcase vent holes is covered with gasket. I've run into that problem with store bought gaskets.

This kind of problem is not common in Packards so you are correct to be concerned.

Also, if the car has a gypsy rod it may have a small squirt hole in number 6. Packard played around with small squirt holes, but went back to a number 30 drill or something like that (oh that's up above - don't I have a great memory?). If you think you have that problem somewhere around here I have the squirt hole bulletin. I suppose the rod bearing could be upside down as well which would cover the hole with bearing. Most modern inserts do not have a top and bottom shell.