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

In spite of having almost every option in the book, including PS, PB, OD, vanity mirrors, trunk light etc. etc., my '54 Clipper does NOT have the "optional" oil filter.

I searched the forums and the FAQ's sectio for information regarding whether to use detergent or non-detergent oil, but I've just come up with preferred weight charts.

I found that I could not open Big Kev's document "ZDDP and Motor Oil Article" (on "Packard Literature and Manuals) for some reason. It sounded like that might have some excellent info.

I've been using straight 30 weight Havoline HD, which is a detergent oil that meets about every spec in the book, including diesel. My question is, am I stirring up a mess using a detergent oil?

I'd like to put a filter on the car, but that's probably a long shot. For now, I'm just changing it often, and counting on the "floating screen" to help me out.

Filter or not, I certainly see no issues with the oil you are using as long as you change it regularly, at least once a year even if mileage is less than 1000, though I would hope that at some point recently you dropped the oil pan and cleaned it and the pump intake screen. I use essentially the same oil as you (Formula Shell SAE 30W detergent) in my 34 Eight and have for years and am fully satisfied with it.

Well, I have a '54 with the filter, and although it's probably better than nothing, based on the one teeny hole for the dirty oil to pass thru the filter, it doesn't look to be all too efficient. Unlike today's high pressure full flow filters, where the dirty oil is continuously passed thru the filter, the Packard is a by pass system that only lets a very small, single stream of oil pass thru one spot in the filter and trickle thru it to be collected at the base of the housing. Why they'd do this is beyond me.

I agree that you should drop the pan and clean the collected gunk out, and then use a high detergent oil...I use Rotella T 15w-40. Unless you live where the temperature is constant, a multi weight gives better protection.

Why they'd do this is beyond me.

The last Packards with full flow filters were the 1939 Seniors. Thereafter, bypass filters were pretty much the standard of the era for some time, across many makes of cars and engine types. Although a smaller stream of oil reaches the filter, I've heard estimates of about 10% of the flow, the particle retention properties of the bypass filter cartridges is said to be greater than the full flow filters so there is a trade-off. And given that even engines with no filter whatsoever could have very long lives with reasonable care would support that it's no big deal on way or the other.

Thank you all for the replies. I believe I will "stay calm and carry on" regarding this fine running engine, and the oil I'm using.