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

For my mechanic drop the oil pan and cleaned it he recommended non-detergent 30 weight oil. After the cleaning he put in 10W30 but said I could also use 30 weight detergent oil. Any thoughts on this for a summer only driven car?

Gregory, there's nothing special or exotic about such a Packard, or any Packard, compared with any other make of any price class in its era. First, get an original or reproduction owner's and shop manuals,* as well as parts manual. Those are your guides above all. What does your owner's manual suggest? They did not have multi-weight motor oil in your barouche's day, but any major brand 10W/30 is a galaxy better than 1929's, or even 1959's, finest motor oil. In the win-win-win bargain, it also flows better than straight 30, so reaches all bearings faster during starts after the car's sat for a week or month or two. Do not add anything to your motor oil, tho' some like to toss in four ounces of Marvel Mystery Oil per 10 gallons of gas, and, depending on your terrain and how many heavy passengers you might have, also use Red Line Lead Substitute in the gasoline.

Since you don't drive this car during winter, always add some Stabil to your gas tank every fall.

If this engine was rebuilt or overhauled recently, or you do not know its mechanical/maintenance log/history, check cylinder head nut in correct sequence using an accurate torque wrench. Make sure the manifold nuts also snug, but do not over-tighten, as you want it able to freely expand and contract.

Greg, these are rugged, simple, but finely engineered inline eight lawn mower engines, in the scheme of things. Do the prescribed maintenance and adjustments, and assuming all's in order or was correctly rebuilt, don't worry about a thing, especially if you live where traffic not hellish.

Do not be cowed by the cadre of silver spooners and Pebble Beach/Amelia Island ilk, who know no more, if as much, as many of the genuine enthusiasts on this fine website. Enjoy your car. Do not baby it, but neither do you jump in and race off as you would in a Camry or Accord. Unless a warm day, let it fast idle a minute or two, then drive gently the first couple miles. Shift slowly, listening to, feeling the engine. Before engaging reverse gear, bump second.

Your '29 Packard, from Packard Motor Car Company's most profitable ever year in their long history, is simple. Keep it that way.


*From this site's Literature Archive under Main Menu on the left of your screen:

1929 6th Series Service Manual Part 1

Gregory,

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