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

I am putting the timing cover on a 282 ci engine, and it looks like the front seal is spring loaded against the timing cover and a cork ring runs against the inside of timing cover? Is that the right configuration? I couldn't find any details in the manual. Thanks

Yes, that's correct and there is no other front seal. Basically the oil just goes into the timing cover to lubricate the chain, then runs freely back into the pan so the seal is little more than a splash guard which is all that's needed. As long as the gasket around the timing cover is good, there is nowhere else for the oil to go.

Best to "soak" the cork ring in oil before installation,

The same type seal was used in later engines so installation is briefly touched on in the 46-50 and 51-4 manual. There are a couple of decent photos in the engine section of the 46 manual. Page numbers are cut off in the scan but they are figure 32 and 33 in the section entitled Valves, Guides and Tappets which is almost at the halfway point of manual. Essentially an arbor was used to guide the seal over the sharp crankshaft end so as not to catch or damage the seal on anything. One thing they do call out is before tightening the chain cover use a feeler gauge to check all around the opening between cover and shaft. This is to more or less ensure the opening is centered around the crankshaft so the seal is sure to be running entirely against the machined surface.

Thanks, I thought it looked like and aircraft carbon seal, but the cork didn't seem like a good rotating seal. I'll soak it in oil. My manual shows the centering of the timing cover, but nothing on the seal itself. Thanks again for the quick response.

I just completed a timing chain replacement on my 1940 110. The oil seal is the same as the 120. My engine builder friend advized me to put a thin coat of wheel bearing grease on the cork seal where it rides on the cover and to liberally apply motor oil to the timing chain and gears after it is put in place. If you look closely the bottom part of the cover gasket meets the top part of the oil pan gasket. I applied a very thin coat of silcone sealer to the gaskets and was very careful as to the way I placed it. I was fortunate to have done it correctly, no leaks. My friend told me that I would be surprized at the extra power that the new chain and gears made. Also by accident I found a you tube 10 part vidio called 1938 Packard coupe restoration by Mark Lamburt that was very helpful. I would send a link but I'm not a computer guy. Maybe next week when my 15 year old grandson visits.