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

I have a '41 La Baron. The front end and engine compartment have been restored and a rebuilt 356 installed. Water pump, oil pump, generator, distributor, and carb rebuilt. New M8 spark plugs. Have been running the engine and sorting things out. It has developed a chirp at idle and does not go away when RPM's increase but it also does not get louder. Can be heard through the exhaust as well. No idea what is causing the chirp. Any thoughts?

Is the engine missing, or simply making an odd noise?

Could it be a squeak in the exhaust system due to a slightly loose connection or bracket, pipe slightly loose at the manifold, or a fabric or rubber exhaust system mount that has decayed and is allowing metal-to metal contact?

Intake manifold leak? A small leak at one intake port might make an intermittent whstle or chirp sound.

Fuel pumps, including those with a vacuum booster, have been known to make odd chirping or hooting sounds.

Other possible suspects include the generator, fan belt, and water pump. These can be eliminated by removing the fan belt temporarily.

An internal engine squeak or chirping sound is unlikely, but not impossible. Such a sound might be louder at the oil filler pipe.

Motor and transmission mounts can also generate odd sounds, as can breathers, horns, or any other engine mounted accessory.

G'day leigh j,
See from your profile you've been a Forum Member for quite some time(2010) but first post, so to PackardInfo.

I invite you to include your '41 LeBaron Packard in PackardInfo's Packard Vehicle Registry.

My guess as to your "chirp", would be a slipping fanbelt. If so, with the engine running, carefully rub a bar of soap against the belt to eliminate the noise.