Packard Forum Index » V-8 (1955-56)

Ok, so my research says that the 55 Clipper Deluxe has the autolite distributor and not the Delco. The tune up data shows the autolite rotor turns clockwise. Mine turns counter-clockwise as I discovered when attempting to install new cap/rotor/wires.

The thing is, the rotor is correct for the autolite distributor because I accidently bought the delco rotor first and it was way different. So I'm pretty sure it's a autolite distributor. I'm confused because the wire layout for autolite goes clockwise. Backwards of the way this thing is spinning.

So what's the deal??

Check it again, the only way the distributor shaft could rotate the wrong way is if the engine rotates the wrong way. The gear on the base of the distributor mates with a gear which is cast or forged intergrally with the camshaft so incorrect rotation is simply impossible.

CCW is the only rotation direction possible in a Packard V-8.

The Delco and Autolite distributors are essentially interchangeable. I've seen Seniors with Autolite and Juniors with Delco. You are correct on what is supposed to be there, though.

What you will usually find is that from the factory Junior models came equipped with Autolite, senior models with Delco.

I think that Packard considered the Delco ignition system to be a better product than the Autolite.

John F. Shireman

While that is true (Delco for Senior, Autolite for Juniors) in the 55/56 Series, the opposite was true for 1954 and some prior years. My '54 Clipper (Junior) has Delco, but the Seniors had Autolite.

BigKev:

5400 Autolite
5401-5411 Delco or Autolite
5402-5431 Delco
5406-5426 Delco
5413-5433 Delco for the 5433 Autolite for the 5433

Looks like in some cases a real mixed bag.

John F. Shireman