Packard Forum Index » Pre-War (1899-1942)

Has anyone done one of these? Any tips? I didn't see anything when I searched the forums, so I will post any lessons learned. I can get mine freed up, but even after lubrication, it doesn't move freely, and the shaft looks slight bent, so I am going to rebuild the whole thing rather than just replacing the shot spring.

Between this, a rebuilt carb (worn throttle shaft), and a tuneup, I am excited to see how the old girl runs this spring!

Ken, not really much too it, a very simply arrangement. If you find the shaft pivot holes badly worn you might consider installing new stainless steel sleeve bushings for the shaft to ride in. Those parts get HOT so make sure you provide enough hot clearance between the shaft and bushings.

Keep us posted....I have the same project coming up.

Will do. I ordered the kit from Max Merrit, will post pictures once it arrives.

I'm not an authority on this but I remember from somewhere I read that the heat riser is to be lubricated with a graphite based lubricant and never a petroleum/machine oil. Due to intense heat regular engine oil will cause sticking. Can someone else confirm what I think I remember?

I haven't checked to see what if anything Packard recommended but DRY powdered graphite would at least be a safe choice, might help & can't hurt. It's an excellent lubricant, often recommended for key locks, fishing reels, etc. I wonder though how long it will stay in place with the pressure of the exhaust gases working to force it out.

I recently looked at mine and moved it up and down and checked to make sure the spring was good. the more I moved it the more free it became, so mine may have been sticking a bit. I never thought to lube it much less that there was a rebuild kit for it. good to know!

On my now sold 115, I lubed it with lock lube and it freed up. This one appears to have a slight bend in the shaft, which is why I am rebuilding the whole thing. Parts shipped today.

It is not unusual to have a bent heat riser shaft which then binds. When the shaft gets stuck due to age and corrosion, some mechanics hammer on the weight in the direction across the shaft thus bending it and binding it further. If you lube it with light oil/graphite mix while tapping on the open end and turning the weight with a wrench, little by little you can loosen it up.

When it's a bit loose and you can turn it, you can see the direction of the bend. Tap the weight against the direction of the bend until it is straight and rotates easily. They need rebuilding (rebushing) when exhaust blows out around the shaft.

Thanks
James From
Kanter Auto Products

When the shaft gets stuck due to age and corrosion, some mechanics hammer on the weight in the direction across the shaft thus bending it

Ah, those alleged mechanics whose first impulse is to grab a hammer - too many of them around.