blew out plug holes water came out of #7 and $8. OOPS
Bob

diagnostics today: dowels inserted in plug holes and all dowels were propelled out as the valves came up. Packard plugs located over exhaust valves.
Looking for other diagnostics.

Bob

Added MMO to each cylinder and now have 25 to 35 PSI compression at all cylinders. It appears the exhaust valve is opening too soon. No further action possible at home, towing to repair shop tomorrow.
Thanks for all the input.
Bob

we will start the tear down by first removing the side panels to check the valve operation like Fred indicated.

Next week.

Bob

Owen don't give up. Could you start a "help Bob hattler fund to defray the costs of fixing the %$#%&*( timing chain"

I just poured myself a double Martini to help defray the pain.

Thanks for your help,

Bob

If the piston hits top and the valve is open or partially open there's no compression. If the gaskets is leaking there's no compression in that cyl. The camshaft sets valve openings which cannot be changed. Changing the timing sets the spark late or early.

If the timing chain is not installed exactly to spec to align exhaust valve opening near top dead center, what good is it to adjust the spark?

Bob

how is it possible to have compression on one cyl?
Blown head gasket?
A slipped timing chain would actually cause near the same compression on every cyl, as the exhaust valve would open at the specified interval for each cyl.
I believe Fred is correct, it's not the chain !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Bob

Compression test with new gauge and highly experienced mechanic.
Bob

Fred is it possible the distributor moved and all that is wrong is timing. This was mentioned earlier. I'll check #1 the best way I can; however it is not possible on the 1801 to see the pointer because of its location on the rear of the engine visible through a small hole hidden behind the starter.

The #1 has 25PSI would it make sense that changing the timing slightly would bring #1 up to 85PSI. and would the other cylinders follow?

I once was told by my Cadillac dealer that my 84 engine was bad with 35000 miles. They replaced it 3500 dollars later. I picked up the car and the same problem existed, they replaced the coils on the plugs for $165.00.

I hope you can see my reluctance to start tear down without checking every possible solution.

Another story the Packard lost power on the way back from Nats in Virginia. The add on fuel filter hidden under the car to preserve the appearance of originality was clogged, after $180 of checks we replaced the $7.00 filter.

Thanks
Bob

Fred, every time I come up with a solution you pour cold water on me.
What next

Bob