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On my 37 touring sedan 115 C I was adjusting the timing and I cant find the hold down clam or anything that holds the distributor in place. The only thing keeping it somewhat secure is the tubing that goes to the vacuum advance. The only bolts on it are what goes into the engine block. I made a adjustment by bending the tubing somewhat is that how it is normally done???

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Hi JT34, No, bending the tubing is NOT how the timing is adjusted. When you say 'The only bolts on it are what goes into the engine', that is normally what secures the distributor. I have a '39 so not sure if yours would be EXACTLY the same, and my car is equipped with Autolite ignition components (Delco is usually the other choice) so you would have to identify what distributor you have. If Autolite, there are usually 2 bolts holding it in the block and then a clamping mechanism on the bottom. On mine, the clamp has a slot screw, that I find difficult to properly tighten, so I usually back off the 2 block bolts just enough that the distributor can turn (but leaving it tight enough so that when the timing is adjusted, it will stay put while you tighten it) and then with a timing light, check the advance/retard of the engine. This with the vacuum advance disconnected and plugged and the idle at normal RPM. Your manual will tell you the range of degrees your engine should run at, for example, my manual says '6 - 7 1/2 degrees advance'. Yours may be slightly different. Hope this helps - good luck. Chris.

Something similar to this is what you should be looking at that holds the distributor in position and allows rotational adjustment. There are a lot of variations on the theme, I don't recall what year/model this particular style is from.

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I will check on the distributor on the make of it and too look again to see if there is a a clamp of some sort at the bottom where the bolts go into the block, thanks for the help on this.

Thanks for posting that pic, Dave. That slot-head screw is a bastard to try and tighten UNDER the distributor. On my car, you need a stubby screwdriver and it is clumsy at best to address. Even one of the bolts is a little tough to get a wrench on, but if 'just loose', I can swivel the distributor body and re-tighten them and get a good 'time'. Your picture sure shows it better for jt34 though.... Chris

I agree, the bolt for loosening the distributor clamp is difficult to get to. I replaced the original bolt with a sleeve and a longer bolt to make it easier to get to when setting the timing. I think I have a photo of it and will look and post it if I find it.

Also, check your owner's manual. There in it is described the "Octane Adjustment" feature for quickly advancing and retarding the timing to cope with the wide range of gasoline quality when these cars were new. Don't have a manual? They are available in reprint from Kanter or maybe the Packard Club.

JWL

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Very nice, John! Can I ask what you used there?? If it isn't something specially machined, I would try and duplicate that. (if okay with you!?!?) Also, for jt34, your manual is probably even available on this site, I know mine is. (38/39) Click on Packard literature & manuals in the main menu to the left of the screen and go from there. Good luck. Chris

The '37 Manuals are all available on this site - I prefer the '37/'38 condensed manual (red book) vs. the '37 condensed manual (green book), because it talks about some of the differences and the mid-year upgrades.

I used the free copy on this site for some time, but bought a reprint from PAC a few years ago - the paper copy is just easier sometimes. Very reasonable, and very helpful.

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Real simple fix: a piece of 5/16" tubing and a longer bolt. No patent on this thing, charge on! JWL

give up your secrets JW....that looks suspiciously like the flared end of a piece of leftover brake/trans line