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

I plan on removing the oil pan this weekend from my 1954 Packard Clipper Super Two-Door Club Sedan with the L8 327 165hp engine. I'm removing the pan to clean it.

Are there any special tips you have for doing this job?
Any info on the torque wrench setting to replace the pan bolts?

Can I use RTV silicone to create a new gasket, or do you recommend I purchase an OEM type gasket to replace the old one?

Thanks again for all your help!

Warren Stevens

I strongly recommend an OEM-style gasket. And when the pan is down, check to see if the bolts holes have been distended from overtightening in the past. If so, lay it upside down on a flat steel surface and fix with a hammer and suitable drift or piece of flat stock to insure that the new gasket will tension uniformly.

You'll probably have to drop the steering idler arm from the far side frame to get clearance to drop the fan, and even so may have to rotate the crank a bit to clear the counterweights. I suppose there is a torque spec for the bolts but I've never used them, I just tighten snugly and retighten again a few weeks later and again perhaps after a year.

OK and thank you! PS...can you recommend a source for the gasket? Thanks Again!

Kanter, Merritt and Egge should all have the gasket, probably the same source (Best Gasket) for all three.

Are all of the pan gaskets that are available two piece ?

I have seen a one-piece gasket for L8s, but I think most are four piece.

Ultramatic Dynamics makes a one piece L8 oil pan gasket out of modern gasket material (cork/rubber composite).

I'll check out the one piece.

What about this vendor?

interestingparts.com

You might want to checkout my youtube video, it's for a 47 but maybe it will answer some questions you have.
youtube.com/watch?v=vk_x2yp7F2k
Wes