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

Can anyone point me in the direction of the torque specs for the bottom end of this 34th St. 8 I have not been able to locate them yet
Thanks
Barry

There were no torque specifications in that era, mechanics were trained to tighten by "feel". Though there are exceptions torque specifications really came into common useage as a result of WW II manufacturing.

However, respected publications like Motors Manual did give torque specs for later engines of the same type construction so you should feel comfortable using them for prior engines of the same design. For 1935/36 Eight and Super Eight, Motors recommendations are 67-70 for main bearing caps and 45-50 for rod bolts. The 35/36 rods would be insert bearings and the '34 rods were cast babbitt, so many would recommend more like 40-45 for the '34 rods with poured bearings.

Thank you!

I just went through this conversation with my new machine shop guy, a fellow who builds race engines and knows the internals of an engine every which way but loose.

On my 1938 Packard, he worked on rods (straightened them to racing specification, had no idea they were "bent"!) and his recommendation was 40 ft-lbs for the rod bolts. He further recommended no cotter pins, as then you had to adjust position to accommodate, plus a broken cotter pin can wreak havoc in an oil pan.

I only pass this on as information, but I can assure you this fellow knows his stuff.

As a side story, when he was looking at the valves on my '38 Super Eight, he held an intake valve up, and said "Ya know, if I just change this contour on the top of the valve a little, I'll get you five percent more horsepower out of the car....."

My first thought was to tell him to leave alone, but he's not that kind of guy, he's going to do it regardless...

I'll get you five percent more horsepower out of the car

Love to hear the story