Packard Forum Index » Post-War (1946-54)

Need to know where to buy a tappet reserve take up gauge or tool?? Can someone tell me a web sight to go to or a phone number I can call. Is there a guage and a tool?? Most likely going to buy all new exhaust valves. Is it worth buying stainless or stick with regular exhaust valves?? Thanks, Brian.

The "tool" comprises the gauge block (cylinder of steel) that you insert into the cam follower in place of the hydraulic unit, and a set of feeler gauges. The repro is just the gauge block itself; we most all have feeler gauges amyway; you'll need to measure between 0.030" and 0.070". I'll look again to see if I have a scan of the source but again I believe it was P.N.R (Pacific Northwest Region).

As to exhaust valves probably all you can buy in repro today are stainless steel which would be much preferred anyway. Egge is the primary source, also Kanter Auto Parts and no doubt Max as well. I'd avoid NOS Packard valves if you should run across them, the stainless is much superior.

PS - try Pacific Northwest Packards,P.O. Box 205, Snoqualmie, WA 98065, or snopack at comcast dot net.

Hi, John Verity here from Boise Idaho. I am rebuilding my 356. If I knew the height of the tappet reserve take-up guage, I could have the engine rebuilder make one.

Do you know the height? Thanks. johnjverity@hotmail.com

Just my opinion, but for the very few $ that it costs, why not buy it from the folks who lay out the $ to reproduce items that keep our cars functional?

Hi, I would be happy to buy the gauge from someone who makes them. How do I contact those people?

Thanks, John Verity

Here is one source; widely advertised, been available for decades - specify for 356 or 327/359. $12.00

Pacific Northwest Region P.O. BOX 205, SNOQUALMIE, WA 98065
EMAIL: snopack@comcast.net