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

I have several questions. I have attached photos to go with them.

1). I notice a hole just below the starter motor. Should there be something in it? If so, what?

2) Transmission - Per the photo, have I correctly identified the drain and fill plugs?

3) differential - per the photo, have I correctly identified the drain and fill plugs?

I know these may be basic questions, but this is all new to me. I’m learning! I truly appreciate all the help from everyone!

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Hole under the starter is used to set the timing on earlier models. The timing marks were on the flywheel.

Everything else you have marked is correct.

Thanks, Kevin.

So should there be a plug that get’s removed when setting the timing or just open all the time?

They had a lightweight steel plug that was a friction fit in the hole. I imagine most of them are long gone. One of those expanding rubber type freeze plug replacements might be a good substitute.

There are various other types of hole plugs in many sizes. I'm not sure where to obtain them.

The entire clutch and bell housing assembly on mine was packed with mouse house, the timing hole being an excellent access hole for the little buggers when left unused for 6 decades as mine was!
Bob J.

Thanks, everyone. I was thinking about one of the expanding rubber freeze plugs.

I really don’t have any concerns with a mouse house. I’m pretty fortunate on that front. My dad always kept the car in his garage and they never had any issues with mice or evidence of them being there.

On the flywheel cover, I got a metal plug from Home Depot for a few dollars. Similar to below:

homedepot.com/pep/Elkay-1-1-2-in-Stainle ... 6AC8_UgWQaAgEnEALw_wcB&gclsrc=aw.ds

It just pops in, and friction holds it. Some day I'll even paint it Packard green.

Thanks, Ken. I picked one of those up on my way home from work. I had to bend the tabs out just a bit, but it should work well.

Follow up question. See the photo below…I got a good picture of the pointer and timing marks.

I believe the TDC mark is the mark directly over the “P” in the photo. Is that right?

Then, is each tick mark 1 degree?

EDIT: I answered my own questions. I found the 10 degree mark. Clearly each tick mark is 2 degrees. That also confirms which mark is TDC.

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I marked the vibration damper on my 115C with timing marks since the marks on the flywheel are difficult to see. I made a pointer out of heavy gauge wire and attached it to one of the timing chain cover bolts. I then carefully marked the damper. This made adjusting the timing much easier. Also, these distributors have an "Octane Adjustment" so the timing can be easily adjusted to accommodate the varying quality of gasoline used in those days. The procedure for doing this is in the owner manual.

Thanks, I had seen your posts on other threads. I will likely do the same. It will just be a while as I have many higher priority items to get to. I’ll deal with that after I get the car running.