Packard Forum Index » General

Good afternoon everybody,

Does anyone have advice to offer about the basics of rebuilding early, pre-war engines? For those who might remember, this is related to the straight 6 flathead that was recovered from the 115C prototype in 2015. I don't know how long it will take, but I have an idea to make the engine run again some day. I have to believe that the details like torque specs, lubricants and substitutions is almost endless and hard to find. Any insights are much appreciated. Thank you.

Attach file:

---

  16 finished.jpg (382.59 KB)

I believe you’ll find all the specifications here on this site in the Model Information and Literature Archive.

I have a rebuilt 1940 110 engine in my shop but I first rebuilt one was I was 16 years old and there is really not much to it. Just some basic mechanical skills are all that’s needed and, of course, when I did it it was in the ‘60s so no wealth of information at my fingertips by way of the Internet. Between the information and helpful people here and Google, you should have no problem!

However, be sure your wallet’s ready as it is not inexpensive to buy the parts, have the cylinders bored, valves and seats regound, crank ground, new pistons and rings and the rods reworked, not to mention the gasket set itself.

Can you direct us to the posting about the prototype 115C?

If you are going to rebuild the engine, I would have it thoroughly checked for cracks by a good engine rebuilding machine shop.

Thanks

John (JWL), -> this way, please.

Thanks all for the insights and information. I think the first step would be a full restoration of the block casting, for the reasons mentioned and because it was abandoned for so long. In the meantime, I look forward to starting the research phase and gathering all the info I can.

Before you proceed with just the block, be sure what parts are available. For example, the cylinders may need to be bored to .010 over but perhaps there are no pistons or rings available in that size so best to obtain the parts before the expense of restoring the block alone.