Re: Quick Question on IDing engines...

Posted by HH56 On 2015/2/15 15:07:15

You cannot go by any number on the head. They were interchangeable and frequently swapped between engines. Swapping heads was the only method Packard sanctioned if an owner wanted or needed to change compression ratios. Those other numbers seem a bit long for a typical Packard casting or part number.

The dist location will tell you immediately if a 356. If it is not in the center you will have to find the motor number to tell you what it is. It could be very faintly stamped in the ordinary rough casting and not on a pad but should be somewhere around the dist if it is the proper year engine. Also check the location above the starter. Sometimes consistency was not a strong suit on the assembly line or it might be a later engine. The number is frequently covered with grease and dirt so may need a wire brush etc. Look carefully.

Just because it is not turning does not mean it is shot. You will have to take a chance that it is nothing serious and can be freed without too much pain. Could be a lot of reasons so just have to check. Sometimes the rings have rusted to the bore but will free up with some penetrating oil. Other times it is a lost cause and you wind up beating a piston out. If you find a rod sticking thru the block, that is another matter.