HH56 Thanks, I knew the speedometer did not work and was relieved when I reached behind the dash it did not have a cable, the gauge appears to be OK. The dash is so nice I did not want to mess with it. It is a good way to keep the mileage down however.

Well, my man, I would love to come back to you with some complicated mathematical formulae pertaining to the complex relationship between the opposing forces of the solid mass of the cylinder head and the reciprocating force applied to it by the bits that are attached to the spindly things to arrive at the compression ratio.

But I cant!

But I will try!

Pat.

Hi there,

Check to see if the inlet manifold drain is working alright. There is a ball-bearing at the end of the drain which is drawn up to seal the pipe when the motor is running. It drops when the motor stops releasing any liquid left in the inlet manifold. If it is not working oil/petrol/water will be drawn into the motor and come out the exaust as black discharge. I had this problem, it really baffled me!

White smoke is most likley head gasket. Blue, engine oil. If it is a worn or uncared for engine you may have multiple problems.

Pat.

Awesome, thanks! I'll look into it. I've had experience brazing but it's been 10 years. The thermostat housing is in good shape. Since I haven't replaced the hose between the cooler and the pump that means it's over 20-30 years old and needs to be replaced anyway.

Thanks for the help. I have a Packard Service Manual 51-54 but if you don't know some basic things it doesn't help.

IIRC the fittings are a combination of crimp, flange & solder where it mounts to the cooler body. Generally, that area is OK. The part that slides into the hose is what deteriorates to the point a new hose might not help or when you remove the old, half the fitting that's left will come with it and not leave enough to clamp onto. You MIGHT find an old time radiator shop that can braze on a new piece or perhaps reinforce what is left. I believe there has been mixed success -- most just try to find one in better shape. Another area that is prone to the same problem is the thermostat housing bolted on head--at least those are being reproduced.

Thanks! I have replaced the hose going to the radiator but not towards the pump, I'll replace it and the clamps. Can the transmission cooler be rebuilt?

Check that "O" on the trans #, it's probably a "D" which would be a correct code. An aluminum-case "D" series would be a 1956 chassis 5680 (Patrician and 400). Numbering usually started at 1001 so trans# 217 would have Been D1127, but perhaps it was stamped incorrectly.

I am pretty sure it's blue/white smoke. If the car has sat a week or so when it first starts up will spit out black shoot on floor down by the tail pipe. Thoughts?

Transmission cooler. If you are leaking antifreeze, the radiator hose connections are famous for rusting, pitting, dissolving and generally falling apart.

I think the parts on EBay are for a 1940. I appreciate your look. Jim