Hello and welcome to Packard Motor Car Information! If you're new here, please register for a free account.  
Login
Username:

Password:

Remember me



Lost Password?

Register now!
FAQ's
Main Menu
Recent Forum Topics
Who is Online
89 user(s) are online (72 user(s) are browsing Forums)

Members: 0
Guests: 89

more...
Helping out...
PackardInfo is a free resource for Packard Owners that is completely supported by user donations. If you can help out, that would be great!

Donate via PayPal
Video Content
Visit PackardInfo.com YouTube Playlist

Donate via PayPal




No power and popping noises after generator installation '36 STD 8
#1
Just popping in
Just popping in

Crin
See User information
Hi all,

I have recently had my generator rebuilt and after I installed it I noticed that the car just didn't run right. It lacks power and I hear under the right conditions (low rpm in 3rd gear) popping noises almost like a backfire but it was popping through the carb. I never looked inside the front of the engine but I assume there's a chain that wraps around the gear that drives the generator and it's the same chain that maintains the timing between the cam and crank. My fear is that I've somehow messed up that alignment and have to take the front cover off the engine which probably requires me to remove the hood and radiator which is no easy task. If I didn't lean on the generator enough to tighten the chain properly, could that have caused the chain to skip on the gear(s) and misalign?

I live in FL and it has been extremely hot the last couple of days when I took the car out so there might be some other explanations but it just seems to me like this is the most plausible given that the car was fine before I messed with the generator.

I also thought perhaps I cracked the distributor cap with all this heat. I haven't looked at it yet because my mind is so focused on that timing chain. I did have a Mini Cooper once and rainwater hit the distributor cap and cracked it with similar results on engine performance.

Any thoughts would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you in advance,
Crin

Posted on: Today 6:57
 Top  Print   
 


Re: No power and popping noises after generator installation '36 STD 8
#2
Forum Ambassador
Forum Ambassador

Owen_Dyneto
See User information
After reinstalling the generator, did you check and adjust if necessary the timing chain free play before restarting the engine?

Posted on: Today 8:46
 Top  Print   
 


Re: No power and popping noises after generator installation '36 STD 8
#3
Just popping in
Just popping in

Crin
See User information
At first I put a pry bar on the generator and tightened it. When I started the car it made a sound like the bearings were over tightened so I loosened it and I'm afraid I ran the car with the chain too loose.

I don't know how to check nor adjust the timing chain freeplay. I'm taking the cover off today so any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks [PROCESSING IMAGE.... PLEASE WAIT]

Posted on: Today 11:01
 Top  Print   
 


Re: No power and popping noises after generator installation '36 STD 8
#4
Forum Ambassador
Forum Ambassador

Owen_Dyneto
See User information
You check the timing chain tension via the round inspection port on the timing chain cover.

You adjust the chain free play via swiveling the generator around its pivot.

Posted on: Today 11:52
 Top  Print   
 


Re: No power and popping noises after generator installation '36 STD 8
#5
Just popping in
Just popping in

Crin
See User information
Oh great. How do I know when it has the proper tension? Thank you

Posted on: Today 12:37
 Top  Print   
 


Re: No power and popping noises after generator installation '36 STD 8
#6
Forum Ambassador
Forum Ambassador

Owen_Dyneto
See User information
I don't recall ever seeing a factory specification, it may be in the factory blueprint on engine assembly notes, I'll take a look later and see. That not withstanding, if memory serves, folks who service these motors generally seem to recommend about 1/2" max deflection at the inspection port.

PS. Per note 7 on Packard factory blueprint MISC-1-730 "Motor Construction Notes", maximum total deflection should be 1/4" measured at the midpoint between the generator and the camshaft. This print was published for the 11th series 8-cylinder models and I know of no reason why the 14th should be different.

Posted on: Today 12:40
 Top  Print   
 


Re: No power and popping noises after generator installation '36 STD 8
#7
Just popping in
Just popping in

Crin
See User information
You are awesome as usual. Thank you so much

Posted on: Today 12:51
 Top  Print   
 


Re: No power and popping noises after generator installation '36 STD 8
#8
Forum Ambassador
Forum Ambassador

Owen_Dyneto
See User information
I've edited my post since your response, please re-read it.

Posted on: Today 13:00
 Top  Print   
 








- Logged-in users will not see the following Adverts. Please Join (it's free) and Donate to help support the website -


- This above Google Ad-Sense Advert helps fund the cost of providing this free resource -
Search
Photo of the Day
Two couples posing with Packa…
Recent Photos
Recent Registry
Upcoming Events
AACA Fall Meet (Hershey)
10/06/2025 - 10/10/2025
South Pacific Packard Club 2026 Rally
03/22/2026 - 03/28/2026
Website Comments or Questions?? Click Here Copyright 2006-2025, PackardInfo.com All Rights Reserved