Packard Forum Index » V-8 (1955-56)

I'm ordering a gasket set for the water distribution manifold on my 1956 Clipper as mine has an ear broken off at the rear flange of the thermostat housing. I have a good replacement casting so want to have the gaskets ready in case I get the urge to install it.

The question is, apparently the Victor catalog lists six of the flange gaskets when the casting has only four flanges. There was some mention that the other two were for something at the back of the block so what's there that uses them?

My familiarity with V8s is exclusively Cadillac 429 and Imperial 413 (and when I was young, the Ford 292 as I had two 1957s). I've owned this Clipper for many decades but never worked on its engine before so I am a Packard V8 newbie.

The heads are identical and symmetrical so have the same openings in back as those used by the manifold crossover at the front and need the same gaskets. The rear openings are covered by heavy stamped sheet metal plates or brackets. In addition to holding the Ultra throttle cross linkage piece if the car has an Ultra, the plates also have threaded holes for a couple of screw in items. The plate on the left head contains the temp sender and the one on the right head contains either a plug or if the heater is installed, the hot water outlet port

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Thank you, Howard! I knew there was a simple explanation and good to know that the heads are interchangeable left to right.