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      Technical Tips

by Bill Vassar

Engine Oil Filler Tube Baffle
55th Series
6/6/08

A few reports have been received of oil splashing out of the engine oil filler tube on the 55th series engines when the breather is removed. This has been corrected in production by adding a baffle inside the filler tube. The new tube which has the baffle is available for service under Part No. 476062.

Slow Cranking Engine?
All Models
8/10/07

Possibly your problem is an over neglected starter solenoid, battery cables,
ground problems or even a battery older than you think-not the starter.

Many times a starter is rebuilt or replaced and the solenoid is transferred from the old starter to the rebuilt or new starter, only to find that at times, it still cranks the engine slowly.
Because the solenoid is a disc type contact that can rotate to different positions inside, the disc may not always make proper contact to carry the high current necessary to operate the starter. Needless to say, sometimes it cranks fine and other times it may crank slowly or not at all. A voltage drop test would confirm the problem, but only when the failure occurs. Who carries a voltage meter with them to do a voltage drop test each time there is a problem? Maybe it would be best to just replace the solenoid and forget the voltage drop test.
An original appearing metal solenoid is available at most of the Nor-Cal's preferred Part vendors listed in our web page.

Happy Cranking!

Rear Wheel Hub Clicks
All Models
8/10/07

Axle shaft clicks are generally caused by a slight expansion of the inner and outer ends of the tapered bore of the hub when the hub is tightened on the shaft. This slight expansion prevents complete contact of the tapers allowing the hub to move on the axle shaft causing the click. In cases where the click cannot be eliminated by tightening the hub nut, we suggest the following:

  1. Remove the wheel, drum and hub, axle shaft key and axle shaft bearing oil guard. Wrap a piece of cloth around the axle shaft next to the brake backing plate.

  2. Apply a small amount of oil mixed with lapping compound in the center of the taper in the hub. Place the hub on the axle shaft and rotate it back and forth until a good fit is obtained on the tapers.

  3. Wash off the lapping compound. Remove the protective cloth. Reinstall the oil guard. Install a new axle key and tighten the hub and drum nut securely. (200 - 270 ft. lbs.)
    CAUTION: Be extremely careful not to allow the lapping compound to get into the axle shaft bearing.

Republished from the March 1994 "Packard News"

Radio Bonding Clips
55th Series
2/27/07

Electrical interference noises may be encountered in the radio on early production 55th series cars. It generally occurs when the radio is tuned to distant stations. Production has installed radio bonding clips which ground the hood to the fenders. These clips are available for service and can be installed as follows:

  1. Install one clip 2" forward of the fender drain trough.

  2. Install one clip 2" behind the right front hood bumper.

  3. It is not necessary to scrape off any paint as the clips have saw teeth to provide a good ground.

The clips are available at the Central Warehouse (or Max Merrit) under part no. 472146, Radio Bonding clip (2 required).

Republished from the March 1994 "Packard News"

Piston Pin Lock
55th Series
8/31/06

A recent alteration, now effective in production, revised the size of the piston pin lock groove in the piston and lock wire size.
Due to the change in the depth and width of the groove in the piston, it is very important that locks be installed.
Early type pistons with numbers 440585, 440586, 440587 and 440588 cast inside of the pistons will require the piston pin lock past no. 440847.

Republished from the March 1994 "Packard News"

Dead Battery Check
7/31/06

A battery with too much internal resistance will go dead very quickly, and the problem can be difficult to diagnose. To check the resistance of a weak battery, connect a battery charger set to charge a maximum generator output, and connect a voltmeter across the posts. If the voltage reading is higher than the setting for the car's voltage regulator. the internal resistance of the battery is too high and it should be replaced. In this situation, when the alternator or generator attempts to charge the battery, the high resistance causes the battery voltage to rise above what the voltage regulator will allow and the battery will not be charged. High resistance can be a problem on newer batteries as well as ones that have been in the car for awhile.

Republished from the March 1994 "Packard News"

 

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