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

Hello, I've been rebuilding a 1949 288 Custom Eight engine and am getting close to firing it up. Prior to reinstalling the transmission I was hoping to replace the clutch, but am having a hard time finding a substitute from a local auto parts store. The standard specs are 10 tooth, 10'' OD and 1.125'' input shaft diameter. Does anyone have a PN that can be cross referenced as a replacement?

Also, I've read that some of the motors came with oil filters and others did not. This motor did not have the external system setup and I'm wondering if I keep it in the stock setup what the recommend oil change cycle is without a filter?

Thank you!

The 288 was in the Eight and Eight Deluxe. The Custom Eight used the 356. Best to clarify which you seek.

You can look up those part numbers on this site let hand tabs, but I don't think it'll help much.
What I recall, may have to be refaced/relined.
Check with one of the Packard parts places, won't find at the local store.
Max or Kanter, etc..

ps: '48 can be either 22 or 23 series, also.

If it is a Custom with the 356 engine look into clutch plates for a larger Ford F series truck. One poster said the F150 clutch will fit but he didn't specify year. The 288 engines used a different plate but our vendors should be able to supply the correct item.

Several have mentioned over the years it is far better to have an original plate relined rather than use the truck plate. Engagement is said to be much smoother with the Packard original. Might have something to do with the dampening springs in the plates.

The oil filter was standard on the 356 which used hydraulic lifters but optional on the other engines which used solid lifters. With or without a filter the Packard oil change recommendation for normal driving was change oil every 1000 to 2000 miles. Unless you are going to drive your Packard far more than most of us today I would guess that with limited mileage, as long as the oil is kept at the correct level a two to three year interval would be safe.

Thanks for the info. I look into getting relined. Never had considered that as an option in the past.

The engine has solid lifters, so I'll go the route as you suggested.

Thank you!

With solid lifters, it must be a different engine than the one that should be in a Custom. As far as I know, the 356 that the car is supposed to have did not have solid lifters as an option.

A 288 is not a Custom 8, it is an Eight which uses the 10" clutch which he has measured. Unfortunately there is no modern interchange that can be sourced local. We should be able to help or if there is a local shop that does relining of brake and clutches for heavy equipment and trucks you may be able to have yours relined. Please call our Packard Department if interested. We would have the pressure plate, through out bearing and pilot bearing as well.

Thanks
James From
Kanter Auto Products.

G'day FlippinMastaT,
to PackardInfo.

I invite you to include your '49 Packard in the Packard Vehicle Registry.

I am using synthetic oil in my 1946 with the 282 and no oil filter, and I'm going with changing the oil every 500-1000 miles. I'm guess that it'll likely be every year. I wouldn't allow oil to stay in the crankcase more than a year. One word: condensation. You'll never get the engine warm enough to vaporize any water in the crankcase unless you're having a catastrophe.


You really do need a scorecard to keep up with Packard's Movable Feast of names and nomenclature. I think it was part of their charming "marketing" strategery which was one of the causes of its demise.