Packard Forum Index » General

On youtube I saw either a 16 cylinder Cadillac or Packard, I can't remember, and I neglected to put it under my "Popular" tab. But, the guy said that the 16 cylinder engine was actually two eight-cylinder engines synced-up. That must have been a difficult engine to keep running smoothly.

kind regards
Garrett Meadows

The first Cadillac V16 was, unlike the Marmon V16, essentially two inline 8s on a common crankcase and crankshaft. It was extremely smooth though of course you had two synchronise the two ignition systems just as with the Packard Twelves and the 33-34 Eights and Super Eights. Packard never made an automotive V16 though the did make diesel 16s for marine use.

Despite Cadillacs rather dated design of their first Sixteen, it was among the smoothest engines ever built.

PS - the early V8 engines were also generally two 4-cylinder blocks mounted to a common crankcase and crankshaft. The later (1938?) Cadillac V16 wss cast en-bloc in a single piece as was the Marmom V16 and the second (1932) Packard Twelve. The Marmon was a wet-sleeve design.

That's it! It was a Cadillac v-16 I saw on Youtube. Your description is exactly what the owner said, although I could never have articulated it. And, yes, the engine was quiet as all get out. I bet that engine sucked up the gas.
kind regards
Garrett Meadows

The first series Cadillac V-16s were a work of design art. They were the first engines to receive attention from GM designers to style them for appearance. The wiring and plumbing were carefully routed so as not to be easily visible. The valve covers were designed with polished ribs and gloss painted surfaces. Manifolds were porcelain coated for a rich appearance. Fasteners were chrome plated rather than being painted. The Cadillac V-12s from this era received similar treatment. To see one of these fully restored engines is a treat and should not be missed.

(o{}o)

Yes, the owner of the Cadillac 16-cylinder pointed out many of the aesthetic attributes to you mentioned. All I can say is Wow! To even make the engine as regal and visually appealing as the exterior speaks volumes about the spirit of the age.

kind regards
Garrett Meadows

Compare that to today's plastic covered engine bay's! My wife had a 03 Mercedes, and that dumb thing didn't even have a dipstick! I rather have a star in my windshield than on the front of the hood!

A "well-dressed" engine was expected on a high price car in the early to mid Classic era; the DOHC Duesenberg was certainly no slouch. Packard Twelves were well-dressed right up thru 1939, Lincoln as well.

Attach file:

---

  (145.03 KB)


  (129.54 KB)


  (160.00 KB)

Amen! Even to someone like me whose knowledge about car engines would easily fit in a thimble, I can appreciate the aesthetics of an engine.

My late father, a WW II vet, often said that well-made and/or attractive things always inspired the owner to take care of them. Unlike now days, so many things are cheaply made and LOOK cheaply made; as such, few are motivated to care for them and just as soon replace them when they break.

kind regards
Garrett Meadows

Magnificent! Beautiful engines.