Packard Forum Index » V-8 (1955-56)

hi i have a 1955 clipper constellation 352 cu in v8, i understand the oil pumps on these can be defective (they cause air to be pumped into the oil causing damage ). anyone know where i can get a upgraded pump that can eliminate the problem. i live in scotland so information over here is thin on the ground, hope someone can help. thanks missedgear

Hello,

This should get you started. Follow this link and there is plenty of info here related to your question.

https://packardinfo.com/xoops/html/modules/newbb/viewtopic.php?topic_id=3785&viewmode=flat&order=ASC&type=&mode=0&start=0

My 55 Packard 400 has this conversion and a full flow oil filter also. Picture attached.

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I have a similar Olds pump conversion in my 56 Executive too. It's GREAT!!! Jack Vines sells an adapter.

G'day missedgear,
to PackardInfo.

See you've been well looked after in regard to the oil pump upgrade.

As a quid pro quo, could you please include your '55 Clipper Constellation in the Packard Owner's Registry here on PackardInfo?

Any trouble with the pump will show up with plenty of warning in the form of clacking valve lifters, and even that can be held at bay by running a quart over full. Basically, if you have no symptoms, you have no problem. Yes, the pumps are a weak point but they can run 100,000+ miles too.

If you are having lifter problems beyond a two second "morning sickness" when the car starts after a long rest, then the Jack Vines pump conversion is very good.

Don't think I would bother with with a full flow conversion unless I contemplated using the car in taxi service.

I'll have to agree with Ross. If the current pump in the engine is not causing any problems then don't try to fix it.

The problem here is that we do not know why missedgear brings up the issue at all.

If there is no reason to believe that that there any problems with the current pump in the engine then leave it alone. If there is reason to believe that the current pump is questionable condition then i wouldn't attempt to rebuild it. I would install the Olds pump conversion.

Missedgear,

Is the pump currently removed from the engine????
OR is the engine currently running????

We need more detail as to why u asked about the pump in the first place.

i went with a rebuilt unit, mostly because i didn't want to loose the originality of my vacuum wipers. i don't plan on driving the car daily and it wont see a ton of mileage in a year, so the original pump will serve me well.

Greetings, missedgear,

As has been mentioned above, if and when you need Packard oiling system parts, send me a PM and I can discuss all the options and combinations you might need.

jack vines

On kevin's pic i see the CL stamped on one of the main caps that we were discussing in the other thread