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Topic: PACKARD ENGINE PHOTO'S |
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Jerry Gilmartin |
TOP BOSS
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 Posted on: Dec 11, 2007 - 8:38pm
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Hi Frank!
The cradle is an original cradle that we obtained back in 1992 along with PT659 from Port Huyneme CA. As far as we can tell, it was built by Higgins in 1945. It matches all of the blueprints we have of the cradles in use at the time.
Plans for the boat while out of the water are:
1. Replace all six seawater intake/overboard discharge butterfly valves since the old ones dont seal properly making removal of the FW and Oil coolers impossible.
2. Replace or repair the Stbd main engine FW cooler (about 50% of the tubes are plugged) which causes Stbd engine to easily overheat.
3. Fix hull leaks ( one back by the rudder, one at the chine in aft crews qtrs)
4. Replace one or more of the screws ( Center shaft is dented/ highly eroded, other two are flexing a lot under high rpms and are robbing us of speed) We may either repair them or replace them with smaller diameter wheels.
5. Remove all of the (slimy black algae) marine growth from the hull (pressure wash) and then sand and repaint/epoxy the hull, to finish with new application of marine paint
6. Replace the old muffler zincs, propeller zincs and prop wash erosion plates.
7. Inspect and repair struts.
8. Replace fiberglass seam tape used on the transom and chine with metal (copper?) bar
There is probably more, but we will have to figure it out by a thorough inspection.
If you have any questions about getting your engine running, we have a few experts here with recent experience who may be able to help. Let me know! Take it easy. Jerry
Jerry Gilmartin |
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Frank J Andruss Sr
TOP BOSS
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Posted on: Dec 11, 2007 - 11:11pm
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Jerry
Folks just don't realize the massive amount of work when dealing with a wooden boat. No wonder the boats in the War Zone needed such constant care and maintainance. It must have been staggering when you think of all of the operating squadrons assembled. Can you imagime the man hours for just one boat.
You guys have your hands full and are blessed to have such a dedicated bunch of workers, who put in so much time. Your organization no doubt is number one when it comes to heart and desire. It shows in having the only true operating PT BOAT with PACKARD ENGINES in the WORLD. Thanks so much Jerry for the information on the Engine and thanks for always taking the time to get back with me on different issues. I only wish your boat was closer to me, like say right down the street. I would probably be divorced for spending most of my time there.
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Mike Mosier
New Member
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Posted on: Dec 14, 2007 - 7:08am
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Beautiful Frank! It was allways my hope to do that to mine before I sold it. Hopefully the new owner will do it. Maybe I'll see it at a show sometime. Keep up the good work. Mike
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Frank J Andruss Sr
TOP BOSS
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Posted on: Dec 14, 2007 - 11:10am
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Thanks Mike
How did you obtain your Engine? Mine was a donation from KAMAN CORPORATION back in 1998. They had three of these packard engines which were used in the 1950's to power the Helicopter Spin Pit Test Sites. One of the Engines was still in the crate and had PACKARD MOTOR CAR COMPANY on the side. I could not get that one, I tried. I am not sure what ever happened to the other two, but I was more then happy to obtain mine.
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Mike Mosier
New Member
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Posted on: Dec 14, 2007 - 3:28pm
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I bought it at Yank's Boat Yard in Tuckahoe NJ in about 1975. It was the center engine in the " Flying Saucer " which was a 70' Vosper built at Annapolis. I paid $300 for it freshly overhauled.
I wanted to post a picture or two but didn't seem to find a way.
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CJ Willis
TOP BOSS
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Posted on: Dec 18, 2007 - 10:50am
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Hi Frank: After viewing the pictures of your Packard engine. I am reminded of the races we would have with other boats as we would return from patrol. As we would approach and coud see land - the boats would all pull in line - then open the throttles for the race to the entrance of the cove. We seldom lost a race because our Chief Motor Mac, Charles McIntosh, on P.T.242 had a secret which we never shared. He would remove the air mesh covers to the super chargers (the gold cover on your engine) which gave more air to the gasoline mixture. This would give a couple of more inches of manifold pressure and 3-5 more M.P.H. Only Elco boats could beat us, they were a little faster especially the 77 foot Elco's. Just reminiscing!!!
Have Joyous Holiday everyone.
C. J. Willis |
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Frank J Andruss Sr
TOP BOSS
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Posted on: Dec 18, 2007 - 11:01am
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C.J.
I can just imagine the wonderful noise of all those Packard Engines racing in for the Cove. What a Beautiful site that must have been. I only wish I could have seen it. I love when you share these stories, which I wish more of you PT BOATERS would do on this site. CJ, have a wonderful and joyous CHRISTMAS with your family. I wish one day we could meet at my Exhibit. Thanks again for everything and for sharing your stories with us.............
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CJ Willis
TOP BOSS
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Posted on: Dec 18, 2007 - 12:57pm
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Frank: To gain a little more speed in these races we would lay all the guns down horizontal to cut the wind resistance. Then all the crew get on the bow of the boat which made the boat plane better. More reminicing! Ha.
C. J. Willis |
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Will Day
TOP BOSS
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Posted on: Dec 18, 2007 - 3:09pm
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Great stuff, C.J. THANKS! . . .and merry christmas.
Will |
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newsnerd99
New Member
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Posted on: Dec 19, 2007 - 12:45am
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CJ - I enjoy all of your stories, but this one is great! I can only imagine the entire crew getting involved while you guys growled across the sea. Good stuff!
Grandson of James J Stanton
RON 15 PT 209 and RON 23 PT 243
Check out: www.pistolpackinmama.net
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