Packard Forum Index » V-8 (1955-56)

Hello everybody,
While I was getting ready to put the heads back on the block I checked the head gaskets to make sure they were correct and they aren't, or are they? On the block and head there are three passages for coolant flow from block to head. They are located at the bottom, a large round passage in the middle and two triangular passages between the outer and inner cylinders. The gasket I removed, a steel gasket, had openings to allow coolant flow at these three passages. The new, composite, gasket does not. In the Service Manual, Engine chapter, page 4, figure 11 shows coolant flowing through these passages. Page 22, figure 51 shows a picture of a head gasket without openings at the three points. Which is correct, flow or no-flow?

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That is a good question and one I wondered about when putting an engine together some time back.

I could swear I read an article or report of some kind stating those large holes were closed off for a reason -- I think it had to do with balancing or forcing more flow around a couple of cylinders -- but darned if I remember where or what it was in. I didn't find it in the usual tech bulletins or SC's.

I just looked at some new sets of gaskets and none have holes in that area. One pair I think might be factory, one brand x and two are Felpro.

In looking at some old used gaskets I had hanging on the wall, two pair had the gaskets solid so were blocking flow and one set had about 1/4" punctures thru the center of the embossed triangle areas. On that set it appeared as if someone thought there should be flow so stuck an awl thru to open it up. Maybe Jack or Ross will have a definitive answer.

I'll try to look at this closer later on tonite when i have more time. But also note the CORNER LARGE holes in the OEM gasket vs the new gasket small holes????

Are there ANY numbers or other identification marks of any kind on the new gaskets?????

The OLD gaskets:

Are they OEM Packard gaskets????? ID marks on gaskets.
Is this an early 55, late 55, early 56 or late 56 engine???
Engine VN mite help.
IS this ORIGINALY a Cali car??? OR maybe originaly from Alaskaa or someplace that u mite know of. Climate mite have a bearing on this issue.

HISTORY HISTORY History is important to make determinations.

probably no help, but here is the gasket I got from the Max Merrit kit.

some of the holes are blocked.

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Was the car ever equiped with a block heater??? Like used in Alaska and Canada.

Is there a difference in the headgaskets between the different 55-56 V8 motor variants?

from the service manual.

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Hank's and the SM photo are like the ones I have except for the set with the center of embossed area punched out.

Wow!!! It's like the calvary just came over the hill. I really appreciate all the input. To answer some questions, The block vin matches the car vin 5587-4098. As far as I know the car was purchased in CA and it did not have a block heater when I got it. The old gasket had no P/N markings that I could find, the new one is from an engine overhaul gasket set I purchased from Kanter's last year and it has a mfg P/n of Best 719 on the gasket. The engine has been overhauled prior to my purchase. I can tell because the pistons are stamped .030 on top.