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

I noticed that I have an odd item in my engine. I don't know what it is. It's right next to the air filter, the long one that goes across the top of the block. Could someone tell me what that is? Thanks!

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Are you referring to the large black cylinder attached between the air cleaner and carb? If so, believe it is a resonant chamber to assist in silencing the hiss associated with air flow. If not that, then more info needed.

Or the reservoir on the firewall? It's for upper cylinder lubricant, should have a thin metal tube running from it to the carburettor, probably to the base.

Couple of pic's.

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Which engine oil do you use? With such old cars, be it 1948, 1954 etc, should the oil be very thin grade ? Is there a favourite that owners use?
And how often do you do a oil change? And how often with the air filters? When engine running, what should you listen for? For any bad signs?

I've always used 10W40 Castrol in all my old engines, works great year round. If it was going to be a brand new rebuilt engine, I'd be using Mobil 1 synthetic after break in.

I have always been partial to Kendal Super D3 15-40. Ran it for 366,000 miles with the 2.8 V6 in my 93 S10. Pulled the intake manifold at 300,000 to replace the rear RTV seal and the top end was clean as a whistle. Didn't even get a pinky finger nail amount of sludge from the rear of the gallery.

I had gotten a used K5 prior to the S10 with 350 four bolt that was so full of sludge in the rockers it made me want to vomit when I adjusted the valves and replaced the cover gaskets. Two consecutive 1000 mile oil changes with the Super D3 and the crud was all gone. Amazing product. Also ran the K5 for another 100,000.

Plan on using this in the Derham also. Any thoughts otherwise, the manual calls for straight 20W.

So would the Kendal Super D3 15-40 be good for a 1948 Packard ?

Re: the canister for the upper cylinder lubricant: Is that the "Marvel Mystery Oil System" I've heard so much about? I've read about them in Hemmings Classic Car, etc. but never seen one. I think I'd like to get my hands on one for my '51. Anybody know how I could do that?

That is the mystery oil lubricator. Except for a junkyard or possibly ebay, they are NLA.

On a Marvel forum, the rep has replied that since they no longer make them they recommend the Ampco unitampcolubes.com/index.php?content=products for those wanting similar and Ampco recommends the use of mystery oil in them. Of course, downside is they don't have the vintage look.

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