Packard Forum Index » Pre-War (1899-1942)

A VERY nice decription of servicing the packing. Well said!

David, I look forward to your writeup and accompanying pictures!

Just a side note. My '36 120b runs about 175f at 50-55mph. 180f in normal street traffic I usually keep it under 60mph on the freeway. Of course here in Southern California you are lucky if you can go 55mph with all the traffic..

John,

Thanks for your description of the trip home. While not uneventful, accommodation availability being outside your control and running hot in the summer heat being experienced by many others, your resolve in undertaking and carrying out this adventure will be an inspiration to many. A trip of that length certainly provides a very real opportunity to get to know your Packard.

I say, well done!

Hi

Congratulations on a successful and relatively troublefree trip. A leaking waterpump reminds one it is a 74 year old car, but no major failures or inconveniences demonstrates its a good mechanically strong one.

Sorry to hear that you couldn't find lodging conveniently when you sought it. It's always difficult to know beforehand where to make reservations on an adventure. I would have been nice to take a more leisurely tour better rested.

Keep us posted on your progress with that sweet 120B!

Steve

Well everything is going pretty well since I added some more graphite packing to the waterpump. I had to go to the hardware store to get it in the plumbing isle. I also installed a new thermostat (160' one) it still runs around 175-180' though. If I try to drive it any faster than 60 mph it starts to heat up so 50-55 it is. Is there anything else I should check???? I also am wondering about the oil change? What is the oil I should use? Does it need to contain zinc?

I was going through all of the literature that the previous owner gave me and it has a set of blueprints for the car a service manual and parts list.

Why did they make it with a soft top in the center of the roof????

It was originally sold to a professor in Brooklyn, N.Y. Narrows Motor Corporation of 223 60th Street, Brooklyn, N.Y. in March of 1936.

I haven't been able to wipe the smile off of my face while driving this wonderful automobile.

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John, glad you and the Packard made it home in good shape.

Regarding the oil: I suggest that you first drain the oil, remove the pan, and clean the pan and screen. These engines collect sludge and it must be removed periodically. If your engine has an oil filter change this at the same time as you change oil.

Insofar as an oil to use, you will get many suggestions from owners based on their experiences. You can evaluate these suggestions and make your decision.

My '37 Six and '47 Clipper Custom both have Classic Car Motor Oil (15W-40) in them. This oil has higher zinc content than currently available in oils on the market plus other additives better suited to older design engines with flat tappets. It can be purchased from the a CCCA region. It is probably over kill, but it makes me feel better.

(o{I}o)

Thanks for the info on the oil. Would the Lucas breakin Oil with added zinc do the trick??

John,
for including your '36 One Twenty Touring Sedan in the Packard Owner's Registry.
Quote:
Know what you mean.

Yes, you will get as many opinions as responses on the oil. Recently, a petroleum engineer lead a discussion on blends and additives in oils currently on the market. I won't bore you with the detailed minutia - the net result is oil today is far greater than what was available 70 years ago. The GENERAL consensus is to run 15w-40 (diesel) oil with an true SG rating. (Shell Rotella-T is commonly available) Some 15w-40's have it, some don't - you need to understand the SAE rating circle on the container, like knowing how to read the sidewall of a tire. And yes, do exactly as JW says periodically to pull the pan and check/clean the screen, especially if your car is not equipped with an optional oil filter.
...and please...start shopping for a correct speedometer. The 37 Chevy one in there now just pains me to look at it...

Oh, and the common opinion on the insert in the roof was limitations on manufacturing the roof in one piece, then how to brace...fast forward to 1938 for the resolution on that.

DAF