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

It's a little unclear, especially with the long unbroken paragraph, to understand exactly what you're experiencing. It seems you're saying that you're losing coolant but not that you actually see it on top of the oil. If it's getting into the pan, it would show on the dipstick.

This one has really peaked my interest.

Did you check your oil after going for a drive? Was it milky, that is water and oil mixed? Or is the water migrating into the oil after the car is shut off?

And no while smoke out the tail pipe once warmed up, correct?

Could the block have a crack by one of the valve guides that opens up when the car gets warm, but doesn't show up during your pressure test? Maybe you could see evidence of water by removing your valve covers and inspecting your valve train?

BTW, I'm like Flackmaster, more armchair than mechanic. But I have been far enough into my engine (327) to have replaced valve guides, rings, coated pistons, cleaned and tested lifters, etc. etc.

Unsolved mysteries!

Yes you are correct about the long paragraph sorry. I did see water on the dipstick two different times thats why I drained the oil after letting it set overnight so the water and oil would separate. Thats when I got worried knowing what damage it could cause. When I first starting looking at your Packard forum I found " Genes post Dec 2020 " that had the same issue but that engine had set for a while after being rebuilt. Thats when I did all the testing and checks. I pulled the Intake / Exhaust manifold and found it was wet all four inlets going to the block. So based on your info I new their was a leak or crack somewhere around the seats or valve guides guessing it must be opening up when hot. Thats why I wrote to you guys asking for help as to where it could be.

Here is an illustration showing the valve guides.