Good Morning...

I use three sources for parts for our Packard, 'Miss Prudence'.

They are Max Merritt Auto, Kanter Automotive, and Packard Seattle Company.

I normally start with Max at 317-736-6233.

Ernie

Good afternoon Thunderbolt...

When we first purchased out 1949 - 288, we had the same dirty oil almost right after changing the oil. We removed the pan and cleaned out the sludge that was in it. Roughly 3/8 inch of it. We also had the valves adjusted to remove the clatter. The old girl keeps her oil clean now. We change it every 1000 miles.

Ernie Vitucci, Caretaker of 'Miss Prudence' a 1949 2362 Deluxe

Good afternoon...

One more possibility would be the needle valve that works with the float valve is not opening as it should due to gunk or rust or wear.

Ernie current caretaker of 'Prudence' a 1949 2362.

Good afternoon...

If you take a look on the Packard Club Web Site, you will find a much nicer, running Packard of the same vintage and it is only $1,200. Take a look.

Ernie Vitucci - Current caretaker of the 1949 Packard 'Miss Prudence'

Good Morning...

I have used Optima Batteries for quite some time in classic cars. I had a six volt in my 1931 Model A Tudor which is driven at least once a week for 9 years and I live in Scottsdale, Arizona. I replaced it with another Optima.

I also have a 1949 Packard 2362 with a 288 engine. I modified the battery box and have had a six volt Optima in the car for a bit more than two years. It has 800 cranking amps and turns the engine over just fine.

I do have a second ground strap on both the Model A and the Packard and also 00 cables which I purchased from NAPA and then had the ends attached at a local welding shop.

The second ground strap makes quite a difference.

Ernie

Good afternoon...

I have struggled with the temperature gauge in our 1949 - 288 and replaced the sending unit twice. Not much change.

I finally purchased a mechanical one from the parts store for $30 or so and installed the sending unit in the back left corner of the head in the hole provided by Packard. I ran the gauge under the dash and mounted it right in front of the emergency brake handle.

Even if you get the darn original gauge to work, you still don't know the temperature. This is one place where a modern gauge is much more inexpensive and really necessary.

Ernie

Good Morning...NAPA may still be able to run down the Bendix Spring part number for you. You can also obtain one from Max Merritt 317-736-6233, or any of the other Packard Parts Suppliers. Ernie

Good afternoon all...

'Miss Prudence', our 1949 Deluxe Eight is started and driven every few days. We use Marvel Mystery Oil, 4oz with each 20 gallons of fuel. I have used this old school product for years and have always had good luck with it. Use it regularly and nothing sticks. This is one of those 'Try it and you'll like it' things' Occasionally I'm temped to drink it to see if it will keep me from sticking...Ernie

Thanks, JD and Owen...

I'll check out the tires you recommend. Also, now still on the fence regarding Radial Tires. I'll most likely drive between one and two thousand miles a year.
In the Arizona Desert, we only run the old classics in the early morning and late evening from June to October.

Ernie

Good afternoon all...

We have checked out 'Miss Prudence's' Rear-End and determined that it is fine. Today Alex Alfaro and I removed the drive shaft and removed and replaced the Universal Joints. Today was the first time in the almost two years that we have owned 'Miss Prudence' that she has driven down the road absolutely quietly, like a good Packard should.

We are now looking into Radial Tires. Our normal Tire Shop is recommending Cooper P235/70R15/SL Cobra Radial G/T Tires. We wonder what other members might have used on 23rd Series Packards. 'Prudence' is a model 2362.

Thanks, Ernie