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

Some of the 50's 288 engines came with hyd. lifters, engine suffix H, are these the same lifter hyd. units as the 327/359
engines? Part # 410845, I would think that they are.

Thanks, John

Believe the 288/327/359 family used the same hydraulic lifter and tappet body but with different cams. Those are the ones repro'd. 356 engines used a completely different lifter and AFAIK, not repro'd so new are not that easy to come by..

thats an interesting information, can anybody tell wether 288engine H 200799 does have hydraulic liters? this would avoid opening the eingines right side wich is not very accessable and in oilproof state at this time.

I?m just doing a full service and thougt about gapping the valves.

The code letter "H" for hydraulic lifters was used as a SUFFIX, not a PREFIX. The "H" as a prefix as in H200799 identifies the engine as a 23rd series engine. The absence of a 2nd "H" as a suffix indicates mechanical lifters.

Not really. Typically the option would be designated by the number format being H200799H with the final H indicating hydraulics. There could also be other suffix letters or symbols designating other differences from the standard configuration. There have been a few engines found with hydraulics but no suffix and it is possible the option was added in the field by the dealer who did not stamp those engines. With that variable, the only way to really tell on yours is to look.

According to counselor Vol24 #3. they made a running change during the 23rd series 1950 production on 2302, 2322, and 2332 engines. Those were all equipped with hydraulic lifters and designated by an F after the motor number.

According to the motor number reference chart your motor is a very early 49 production engine so it is doubtful it has hydraulics if the H suffix is not present.

To the original question: IF a 288 had the hydraulics, they would be the same ones as in 327. The 356 lifters are larger and will not fit.

ok, thank you!

that sounds like I?ll have do do some finger-training after running it in!

Okay. So what does am "E" engine serial number suffix letter designate on a 327 in3 engine? Do we have a key to the the possible list of suffix letter used?

If we are talking 22nd series 288/327 E means a late design camshaft and 7 quart oil pan instead of a 6 quart pan. It may also apply to 23rd series.

There were other combinations that also included different pistons and rings also with a 7 quart pan and with or without the different camshaft.

Check out this service counselor page 47 article for various suffix combos used on 22nd series.packardinfo.com/xoops/html/downloads/SC/SC-VOL22NO12.pdf The suffixes varied over the years and did not necessarily mean the same thing one year to the next. Best I can determine no complete compilation of all of them has been made. Some but not all have been detailed in various letter, counselor, and bulletin articles. To add to the confusion they also used symbols such as stars and hash marks as prefix or suffixes or dabs of paint on an item to indicate something was different from originally equipped or spec'd.

Thank you.