Packard Forum Index » Pre-War (1899-1942)

Hello all!

Last week I bought a 38 Packard Six.
Upon arrival yesterday I noticed that the engine has a ticking sound. It idles bad but the sound is not present, only at higher rpm. It drives pretty good with plenty of power.
The car mostly sat for the past two years, driven very rarely.
I am very new to pre war cars and flatheads, basically zero experience. I would love your guys input on this problem.

Here is a video with the sound present :

https://youtu.be/ASr6TnhsngQ?si=KbwufrwUV2P6xd9P

Many greetings.

It's hard to discern engine sounds from a video, but here are two common things to look for.

Failing manifold gaskets will often make a very sharp sound under load as exhaust gas shoots out past them, and if there are leaks on the intake ports the idle will be very poor.

Noticeable ticking at idle means the valves need adjusting. I suggest you test the manifold vacuum and report back.

These are very simple engines and their problems are usually also simple.