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

The paints really stick and cure after the motor has been run and it bakes a little bit. I know the Hirsch paint says to wait a week before retouching to prevent lifting. Possibly it wasn't fully cured yet.

When the Engine has been standing for many years without being used, what should the first job be when restoring? Apart from cleaning, what else? Are the gaskets easy to get for the 327 engine? Can new ones be bought? Before painting engine, does it need a special primer? Can new
6 V battery leads be easily obtained? And lastly filters? I know now that plenty of oil is needed when engine old.

Is it possible to get old engine act like new,

Gary,
If you are still out on your oil rig have a word with your welder guy and have a look at his heavy gauge welding cable. This is a good way of getting around the usual 12 volt cable supplied by parts stores and as stated by some of the guys on this forum is too light for 6 volts which just gets overheated.
Terry

Gary,

Your general question abot is it possible to get an ond engien to act like new. Yes, but to do that many expensive things have to be done. I think the reasopnable question is do you want a virtually brand new engine or an excellent performing engine, good power, no leaks, no visible smoke?

First this is to oil the cylinders before turning over to avoid breaking rings or pistons. Remove all spark plugs, pour in abuot 1oz of Marvel Mystery Oil or a mixture of Transmission Fluid and brake fluid. Let the car sit a day or two. Try bto turn motor over by pullong on fan, may have to put some tension on belt with yoiu other hand. If you cannot free it up, remove cylinder head and check fo rust. If free,change oil, filter, then try to rotate engien with starter. DO NOT ATTMEPT TO START REMOVE CIL WIRE. otate engine wih starter one or two revolutions, listnen for "bad noises" If OK, rotate 10-20 times. Replace coil wire, remove air cleanner pour in samll amt of gas (2 oz) REPLACE AIR CLEANER THIS IS MOST IMPROTANT AS A FLASHBACK FIRE CAN RESULT ADN THE A/Clnr WILL CONTAIN IT. DO NOT ATTEMPT TO START WHEN INSIDE A BUILDING. MHNAVE FIRE EXTINGUISHER HANDY.

Replace plugs, try to start. If it doesn;t even fire, file points with a point file only, never sandpaper etc. check for spark. if it starts and doesn;t run long, check fule system.

get it running to get th oil out of the cylinders, diagnose condition, leaks, compression etc etc

Good Luck'

Fred Kanter
Kante Auto Products
Boonton NJ

Thankyou Fred. Perfect explanation about engine. Will do just as you say.
Take your point Terry, read your reply in electrics , lincon in Southend. Thanks to you guys, it's now more clear of what to do.
To think these engines are so old, yet still running, is a mark to how strong these engines really are. Amazing.
Terry, did they use 327 engines in England at any time? Or was it purely only in America?

Gary, In addition to Mr. Kanter's excellent instructions I would also recommend that you take the time to remove the oil pan and clean it and the oil pick-up screen. If the engine has been sitting for years there will almost undoubtedly be heavy sludge in the pan and coating the pick-up screen which you don't want restricting the oil pump or circulating through the engine. Removing the oil pan is a royal PITA but worth it if the engine is itself worth saving.

Krylon Hosta Leaf is a very close to the Packard Green engine color for what is worth. Sometimes difficult to find but sells for ~$2 a can

Gary,
I can't really answer that with 100% assurity but we did import Packards at one time to the UK so it would be a good chance that we did use the engines over here. More knowledgeable persons such as Owen Dyneto would be a good shot.
Terry

The 22nd series Super Eight (and the 23rd series Super Eight and Super Deluxe) was defined by the 327 engine so if one was imported, then it would of course have that engine. Packard's car lines were defined by the engine, there was no such thing as an engine upgrade option. I know for fact that a fair number of Super Eights were imported into Finland and Scandanavia so it wouldn't surprise me a bit that they were to other countries as well.

As we are hoping to retire to Carribean. Would engine over heating be a problem?
If so, will it need a new radiator and new rubber pipes? To solve problem? Watched a tv program where a Truimph Stag 1972 was being restored. As this car has a history of over heating, he put in a new radiator with larger vents to aid cooling. Replaced Cam Cover casket. Put sealant onto for longer wear.

And just really wondered with. 1948 car, does the same problem occur?