Update: She runs great !!!
After installing new gaskets and an extra spark plug gasket, I'm happy yo report she runs great. It idled and accelerated smoothly from initial startup.
Thanks for the pointers and tech info. Now we just have to get the brakes to work like they should and clean out the fuel tank. YUCK!
That's a project for after the New Year.

thanks again for all who listened and to those who gave us info to make her run again.

Bill
NPM, Warren, Ohio

We removed the inner fender and front right wheel to give us better access to the engine.
We sprayed the valve guide area with sea foam and followed up with marvel mystery oil soak. After letting everything set for the Thanksgiving weekend, well get back to it next week and check tappet clearance and adjust.

Going to order a new gasket set and reinstall everything to see how it runs if all is good.
Adding spark plug washers too.


thanks for all the guidance and good vibes.


Bill

Thank you for the suggestions. Will be following your advice next week when we delve a bit deeper into it.



Thanks for the correction on exhaust valve too.



Bill

Only two plugs are having the problem and why would the compression be affected?

Puzzling for sure.


thanks
Bill

To continue the discussion on the 36 business coupe.
We took the push rod covers off today expecting to find a broken spring or keeper missing. But no, everything looks fine.
The valve lash is fine and nothing looks out of place.
We think the problem might be weak valve springs. Is this a common item with Packard flat head 8 engines?

To add to the discussion and give you a bit of history, we completed a compression test on the engine. Cold engine - each cylinder had 70psi with only slight variation between cylinders.
We started the engine and it ran fine for about 4 or 5 minutes then started to be rough and then engine died.
We ran compression test again on hot engine and got 0 for cylinders 2 and 3, all others 70 psi.
Let it cool and run compression test - 70 psi in all.
The intake valves have a very slight shiny spot on them from where they have been contacting the electrode of the spark plug. After correctly gapping each plug and running the engine, we find that the spark plug gap for cylinder 2 and 3 is totally closing. Something is causing the valve to contact the electrode.
Weak springs and valve flutter is our guess.
Your thoughts?

thanks very much,

Bill

Thanks very much.



Bill

Would appreciate the instructions when you have a chance.
I'll be looking for a switch this week but can use the power antenna switch (with relay) in the mean time.

Thanks

Hello All,

I understand this thread is over 10 years old, but needed to post about our 56 Patrician.
We're having the same sticking ignition switch problem and started searching for a replacement NOS or workable more modern switch that would interchange.

We replaced the brake switch a few months ago and now have a functioning torsion level control and brake lights. What a great system when it's working. Our visitors are totally amazed at Packard's innovations. But while driving the car in the local Halloween parade yesterday I found the ignition switch acting up as well as the neutral safety switch not working.



Any heads up as to problems that may await us doing the repair, most appreciated.

William
(National Packard Museum - Warren, Ohio)

Quote:

Great Lead for more information.
I think I've decided this will be our winter project at the Museum.


Bill

Thanks much.
I'm going into the Museum on Tuesday and Wednesday to volunteer. I'll take time to check it out the locations.

We just got our 1931 dual Phaeton up and running for the first time in over 20 years. Now I've got a fuel tank to drop and clean. About 4 gallons of YUCK inside.





Bill