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

Good Afternoon...You could easily have the wrong spark plug for today's fuel. Look to see what plugs from other manufacturers will run a bit cooler. Perhaps give Ross Miller a call if he does not happen to see this post. 410-357-4561. Another Packard specialist is Custom Auto in Santa Ana, California. 714-543-2970. The owner, Robert Escalente, started there sweeping floors, many years ago. I'll bet if it's an odd problem, not well known...These guys will have the answer. Ernie in Arizona

I would want to establish TDC with certainty. Timing marks on dampers can shift. The position of the vacuum advance can vary somewhat, and it is not a reliable guide for timing. The distributor responds to engine speed and load, and it may be over-advancing the spark due to issues with the mechanical advance or a vacuum advance that is out of adjustment or improperly connected at the manifold end, or a stuck advance plate. Improper timing is the commonest cause of pinging, with an overly lean mixture being second. Older carburetors have mechanically operated metering rods. Newer ones may have metering rods operated by a vacuum piston and they have been known to stick.

Point gap affects timing.