Packard Forum Index » V-8 (1955-56)

Quick question for everyone. I have a 55 Clipper Super and it developed a knock the last time I drove it. I pulled the engine and noticed 2 push rods that were chewed up, assuming this is the issue. When I pulled the heads, 6 bolts had grey sludge in the bolt holes looking like oil and coolant mixed. The engine has sat for a few months and the sludge did not drain out of th bolt holes. Is this a sign of a cracked block? I don't believe so, but looking for opinions. My believe is the head gaskets we're bad. The cylinder walls look fresh and when the oil pan was pulled, I noticed on crankshaft bolt wasn't even threaded in.

Thanks in advance for your input.

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Well let me put it to yo this way you have a 63 year old engine that has traveled don't know how many miles I think its rebuild time.

I guess I was hoping with the clean cylinder walls and the one loose crank bolt that it meant it had a recent rebuild. There are a number of things I have come across that let me know the car is has been worked on (not in the most professional way).I struggle to think that bolt was unthreaded for 107k miles. Does anyone know of a good Packard engine and trans rebuilder near the Green Bay, WI area?

If no one is closer, Troy at Michiana Packards is near South Bend -- not exactly next door but not cross country either.michianapackard.com

Thank you HH56. I'll take a look at them.

You already took it out and it has obvious issues. I say rebuild as well.

Wow, I never heard of a main bolt coming loose. My guess would be some previous unprofessional/unloved rebuild/repair.

That was my thought too and why I question doing a full rebuild. One hand says it was rebuilt somewhat recent, the other says what else did they not do properly. I'd like to utilize funds as efficiently as possible.

Since you're in there already, pull the center main cap and show us the bearing surface and the crank surface.

jack vines

Jack, here is the bearing and the crank. The bearing does have some chips. What do you think about the crank? I also found this piece under the rear of the intake. Any idea what it is and where it goes?

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