JW, I didn't mention it in my other note but, I found (1) AC R45 XLS Plug in one of the old empty boxxes for the Auto lite 57 plugs. It was used but no apparent wear at the electrode, in fact it looked new except it was slightly carboned up. I guess he kept it for future reference after swapping to a different plug.

PackardV8, Thanks for the info.

randy berger, Thanks again, very helpful as usual.

Everyone, Thanks for the much appreciated info. Now that I Know I have the correct point set I can pull the distributor tomorrow, give it a look see, check what I can,(using the Packard manual as guide) fix what I can, install the new points, re-install the distributor and see if I can finally get the timing right, which should permit me to correct the carb issues, idle, hesitation, etc.

Packardv8, I agree with your idea about the fuel. Just prior to this problem I was using reg 87 unleaded fuel and it seemed to be running okay except I had some hesitation on acceleration so I put in 5 gallons of 89 octane and also added some octane booster to see if that would help. I was going to retime the engine but first I wanted to make sure the plugs,wires and points were correct. The Auto lite 57 plugs have been working fine so I'll retime using them to see if I can get rid of the detonation issue. I did a dry compression (got 150# +/- 3 to 4#)in all cylinders,and vacuum test of 22inches. So that seems to indicate the internals are okay.

JW, The Packard manual calls for Champion N-18 for the 56. I don't have a N-18 plug to check it against the others as to whether it is extended or not. I went online but couldn't find any information on the N-18 plug, but I'll keep trying. There has to be a cross refrence somewhere.

I tried to find a thread on spark plugs and point sets for the 56 Pats, but no luck. I started getting what I believe is detonation.
Question, Packard manual recommends Champion N-18 plugs. The plugs that were (and still are) installed in my Pat are Auto lite 57's. The car also came with new still in box set of 8 Champion H-14Y and Champion N-16YC. What seems to work the best for standard service use.
I also have 3 sets of points, one set is Delco-Remy 1918148,one set stamped Sorensen DR-13 and a set stamped with AL but no P/N. All three look almost identical. I did not find any of the numbers in my Packard Manual.

True, I do live in Virginia, but I wasn't born or raised here. I was transfered here by my employer in 1995. Since I'm writing with a southern drawl, I reckon I is one.
En ahm jist sew prowd tuh bean huh.

MR. PB,
No I'm not from the south. Why, are you a southerner, originally?

My 56 pat is a PB, and it seems to be working fine,so far. I drove several cars in the fifties and sixties with push button trannys. They were all from Chrysler,Plymouth,Dodge,Desota and Imperial. The only one I recall having any problems with were the Plymouths,which I have never understood why because it would seem they would all be the same since they were all from Chrysler Corp. albeit different assembly plants or small differences in installation requirements.
I recall going with a fellow Airman who was looking to buy a new 56 PLymouth or Dodge and while my buddy was driving down the hi-way at about 50 mph, the saleman told him to push the button for reverse. My buddy wouldn't push the button so the saleman took the wheel and after getting up to speed pushed the reverse button and then the drive button several times to demonstrate that it would not hurt the trans or engine. Needless to say we were both impressed, but, he bought a buick convertible instead.

Thanks everyone for the info and also for a couple of laughs. I'll send it to Flicken.

The wiper motor requires a rebuild. It works great, it speeds up and slows down with the switch, until the wiper arms are put back on, then it is merely trying to do it's job.
Has anyone used Ficken for their rebuilds? If so were the results satisfactory.
I checked the pricing for a 55/57 chebie electric.
Waaay too pricey at +$229.00 and I'm not buying.

?, If you convert to Melling/Olds pump, don't you forfeit the vac pump as backup to manifold vac? And what is cost of converting.