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

Good afternoon...BigKev and Owen are correct. You do need to take the intake and exhaust manifolds to a good machine shop and have them put a really accurate straight edge on them when they are attached as a set. Normally what you find is that there is a gap in one area that allows the gasket to blow. Not enough torque in that one area.

The machine shop will have to mill or grind down the rest of the set to match the lowest place. Then take it home, sprinkle holly water on it and put it back together with the best quality gasket from Kantor or Max and gently tighten it up...not all at once but in stages like a head gasket. Owen, do you know or did Packard have a torque poundage setting for these studs? Ernie

I concur and after mine return from sandblasting I will be heading to the machine shop for them to be decked as well.

I concur. I had the same problem with my 1940 160 Sedan with the 356 engine. I was blowing exhaust gaskets. I finally took the manifolds to a good machinist/mechanic and he machined the exhaust/intake manifolds and it is running great. I should have done it sooner. I hope I do it on my next Packard to save me time.