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

I just bought a 1949 deluxe touring sedan with a 288. im getting 85 to 90 lbs in all 8 cylinders.Does this indicate that a rebuild is necessary?I understand that factory compression is around 110.

Good afternoon...How does she run, idle,does she smoke...other than Camels?
Ernie in ARizona

Usually it is more important for all cylinders to be close to the same compression. If it runs well and doesn't smoke, I'd say your okay for now.

Agree with John.

Did you perform the test with the engine throttle plates open?

You can also put a squirt or two of oil down each spark plug holes- if the compression goes up, the wear is in the ring/cylinder wall; if no change, a simple valve job might improve your numbers.

That said, as discussed, how it runs is a bigger piece of the puzzle.

No, that's probably very good, since the compression ratio is about 7:1. 102 psi would be 100%, zero loss, and that's not practical.