For the speedometer, 2 drops of 10w oil in the hole behind the cable drive connection every 10,000 miles. Most speedos probably have never had this done and is one of the reasons speedo needles will start jerking and things eventually destruct .

On the speedometer cable, in the 51-4 manual Packard recommended chassis grease at 30,000 miles .

As I recall, it was recommended by most mfg to apply lube to the lower 2/3 of cable and then insert cable into housing so the majority would be carried or pushed down. The top third would have enough of a coating but excess would not be prone to working out and get into speedometer.

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Your assist theory is correct but pump is there for when the vacuum from intake manifold is low. The diaphragms move together but due to the springs, independently as the fuel side will sometimes not move at all or very little depending on how much and how fast the float is allowing fuel into carb. The springs pushing against the diaphragm also determine the output fuel pressure of 4-5psi.

The determining factor when the assist takes over or helps is the valving which works just as the fuel side does. When manifold vacuum is stronger, air is essentially just sucked through the pump and assist has little to do. When under open throttle or any low manifold vacuum conditions, the assist side is stronger and valving only allows exhausting into manifold side and suction from wiper side. While not as much volume or as strong as manifold vacuum, it is still sufficient to keep wiper motor moving --although slower.

Specs for those vacuum pumps in general were 8 1/2 inches hg minimum at 180 rpm and 12 inches hg maximum at 1800 rpm. As you see, lower than manifold but still sufficient.

Bill,

You might want to start a separate thread for that one.

I did, actually I have looked at it several times, it gave me the inspiration to tear into mine. Looking it over, the vacuum pump must be a vacuum assist, because for the most part the "big" spring holds the diaphragm in a neutral position. It looks to me that if the engine vacuum is large enough to pull the spring, then the pump would "kick in". I am going to guess that my hypothesis that the pump was meant for full throttle operation is wrong. The pump is meant for when the engine is idle and the vacuum is the strongest. Must be a smooth idle thing.

Thanks,

Grey66,

Below are 2 links to a ID Discussion and Engine Serial number ID.

Basically, the data plate is the place to start. It is under the hood. It should contain a model number and production number. A plate is pictured in the 1st link.

The big number pressed in the firewall is the anti theft number. It was not used for title or ID purposes but some folks on this website could probably have some interesting comments on it.

The engine should have a serial number (see 2nd link) that would tell if is from the correct production year or a replacement engine. The engine block probably has a 'cast date' usually toward the back. It may be in raised letters along the bottom edge of the side of the block,

Welcome to Packard Info. Oz (our Down Under Ambassador) will probably respond soon. He is also aware Packard Owners and History there. Thereand are VERY activePackard Lovers there.

LINKS:
https://packardinfo.com/xoops/html/modules/newbb/viewtopic.php?topic_id=3283&forum=4&post_id=34450#forumpost34450

https://packardinfo.com/xoops/html/modules/newbb/viewtopic.php?topic_id=2727&forum=14

Good Luck
DanL

Hi

My name is Graham Holley, I have recently bought a 1939 Packard Six to use for Art Deco Vintage Car Tours over here in Napier, New Zealand. I would love to trace the history of my car, such as place of Manufacture, previous owners before it came to NZ, that sort of info.

I would really appreciate any info or leads that you could provide me with, & look forward to hearing from you soon.

Best Regards,

Graham Holley

Joe

Send a PM to Big Kev. He will find your 'move' request sooner that way.

Website Comments?? bigkev@packardinfo.com

DanL

On the subject of grease what is the tried and proven type of grease for use on the speedometer cable. Mine has been erratic so I finally removed and cleaned cable along with fluid drain and refill with B&M fluid to see if it helps with hesitation in shift from low to second. Any recommendations on type of grease?

Bill

Gregg,
I see you already registered. Thanks.
We've got to keep these 41s coming.

Have you answered your original question yet, or moved on to other repairs?

DanL

PGS41,

I suspect the trim is stainless steel. (I am not the best authority on this website, but am surprised your question did not generate more responses since your 7/16 posting. At least our responses today may grab the attention of some of our more knowledgeable members and get other responses for you).

I say 'stainless' because my 41 Clipper has stainless trim (though there is not window trim in that styling.)
I say "not aluminum" because I think it was in short supply in pre-WWII days.

Weathered, scratched stainless can have a 'aluminum' look.

Have you tried a polish for aluminum? or stainless? 'Mothers' makes several polishes that might make removal unnecessary (unless you have a really good friend in the plating business).

Either way, Welcome to PackardInfo.

Also, as OZ mentioned, Please add your 41 to ther Owner's Registry section.

DanL