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

Believe hydraulics were the norm on senior car engines and optional on others. Usually a factory hydraulic option had an H suffix after the serial number. 288 labeled heads on 327s are very common. You really need to get the plug gauge which has been reproduced to set the valve stem clearances. There was another thread recently as to where it might be found but someone should have the info handy.

The procedure in on page 22 of service manual engine section but basically, you remove the lifter and insert the gauge in the lifter body. Making sure the piston, cam lobe and valve are at the proper position check the stem clearance, grinding stem as necessary to achieve between .030 and .070 to the gauge. If no one has info as to gauge purchase, you can have one quickly made. Just a piece of round steel bar with diameter of .517 by 1.173 high.

HH56, are you sure of that height dimension? My original 359/327 gauge measures 1.173" in height, and I've successfully used it on many valve jobs.

O_D No, I'm not sure which is why I asked. That was given to me by one of the Packard vendors years ago. If you have an actual one and it has worked, then I would go with your numbers and will correct my post until some one else comes along with another.

Thanks, I'll look for that gauge. I'm not comfortable enough with flathead engines to have my own made. My block may have an H behind the number. I just quickly cleaned it this morning enough to be sure it was an L3 serial number to verify whether it was a 288 or 327.

So the 288 head was common on 327's? From the factory, or did people do that on their own? I understand it increases compression, how much I wonder.

Back in the 60s and 70s I manufactured and sold many dozen of the hydraulic lifter gauge block and feeler gauge sets for the 327/359 engine; I believe Rob Carpenter is the current source for it, along with the (quite different) gauge block for the 356 engines.

Do you have contact info or business name for him by chance?

P.N.R, P.O. Box 205, Snoqualmie, WA 99065
E-mail snopack@comcast.net
Website www.packardsintow.com (doesn't work for me)
Phone 425 886-0483
Advertises in the Packard Club Cormorant New Bulletin.
$12 per gauge. Hope this helps.

Thanks, sent him an email already. Web site didn't work for me either.

Side note, My Dad has a 47 Clipper (I think a Super) Club Sedan. Beautiful cars!

Try this link. Packards International, Pacific Northwest Regionhttp://www.packardsintnw.com/index.html

Thanks, checked out the site, found the gauge.

Does anyone know how to find out if these lifters are the correct ones for my 327?

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/NOS-AC-Lifters-For-Hudson-Nash-Packard-/320625367281?pt=Motors_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories&hash=item4aa6c2d8fl

Says Packard Part# 440371 on the add.