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

Rusty, if they were still using the same plug in 1937 that they used in 1936 and back into the 20s, it's not a standard pipe plug. I'll post a scan of one here before the day is over.

UPDATE - OK Rusty, here's a couple of pictures. This unit or slight variations were used perhaps as late as the 1939 Seniors, way back into the 20s, and may also have found application on some Juniors though I don't recall any years and applications. It was variusly used as the oil pan drain plug on Eights & Super Eights (perhaps Twelves), transmission drain & refill, differential drain, and with a modification as the timing chain inspection plug on some 320 and 385 engines.

Attach file:

---

  (30.74 KB)


  (18.62 KB)

If it is too chewed you can weld a nut onto it and take it out with a wrench. The heat of welding will loosen it up.

New pipe plugs are a dime a dozen at any hardware store.

I don't know what Packard used specifically. But standard rear axles from Spicer and others, as used in most cars, had pipe plugs. So did manual transmissions.

They have a tapered thread. The more you tighten them the harder they jam and the harder they are to take out. Often they were overtightened to stop leaks.This type plug has no gasket.

The kind with gaskets usually don't jam in that tight, in fact if someone over tightens them they strip out.

All Junior Packards from 1935 on used standard 1/2" square head pipe plugs for fill and drain openings in the rear axle.

All Junior Packards from 1935 on used standard 1/2" square head pipe plugs for fill and drain openings in the rear axle.

Thanks for the clarification.

The plug on my transmission had the corners round off so yesterday a guy who is helping me take the tranny and motor out showed me an easier way if you are planning on replacing the plug. Take a chisel and 20 pound hammer and hit the outer ring of the plug with the chisel in the direction you want it to turn. Couple of pops and mine unloosened.

thanks tbirdman,Owen D, Rusty, Appin and of course Turbo

you given me some idea s to try...will adv results in a day or so.

oh yeah..do you think there may be a seal leak..above the universal and axle houseing it was caked on dry oil which i scraping off with a putty knife plus the axle housing studs and nuts are wet was also scraping dried caked on oil above the universal the trunk floor underside area

Attach file:

---

  (29.87 KB)

Dried caked old grease is nothing to worry about. It indicates a slow leak that has accumulated over many years.

This is normal. Most rear axles and transmissions leak a little.

You should check that the vent is OK. If it gets clogged pressure will build up when the diff gets hot, causing a bad leak.

Other than that there is nothing to worry about. If you see a lot of fresh oil running or dripping out that's different.

Just change the lube and check it every year or 2.

That is exactly the type of plug I was talking about removing with a socket wrench turned backwards.

If there is a clearance problem use a short extension on the plug then stick the socket on the extension.

i must be dense...what do you mean by a socket wrench and turn backwards