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

To prime the oil pump, remove the cover of the oil pump, taking care not to damage the thin paper gasket. Pump some wheel bearing grease in it and pack it in with your fingers. Then reinstall the gasket and cover. I found that this old mechanic's trick works extremely well to prime the pump. Safe and easy.

John Wright, the 60+ year old owner of the Arco station I worked at while attending PSU and who taught me all I know about working on cars used petroleum jelly. It worked great when I rebuilt the engine in my '65 Cadillac. John, where ever you are, what I owe you is beyond measure.

Thanks for all of the support and suggestions. Looks like the first order of business is to drain oil and remove the oil pan. The car was 'supposedly' running within the last 5 years, however it was last tagged in 1993, so I suspect much longer than the 5 years. It turns over fairly easily by hand. With as much Marvel as I have dumped down the plug holes in the past year, the oil needs to be changed at the very least, and I would like to see what's in the pan, good or bad. The advice about the oil pickup screen is well taken, and I hadn't even thought of packing the oil pump. Great advice!

Packard guys in my area are far and few between. When I mention that I bought an old Packard to tinker with, they ask the year and series.... and then look at me and say "They didn't make Packard computers that early did they?" Sigh...... It's great to get help from people you haven't ever met. Love this website!

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You seem to be in an enlightened area with locals knowing about computers. Down here they'd more likely ask what is it or when Ford or Chevy made that model.