Packard Forum Index » Pre-War (1899-1942)

I have had no luck finding pertinent information about the design and operation of the gas gage, I hope someone can help me with understanding out the gas gage operates and possible suppliers for parts if needed.
Thanks
Barry

I'll be the first to admit I know very little about that era cars but the photos of the dash in the 27 and 28 owners manuals look like they may have been using a King-Seeley liquid gauge. If the 26 used the same here is a bit of info from an old Motors Manual. I believe Classic and Exotic sells the gauge fluid and does rebuilding service but don't know if they sell individual parts. They also have some horn items but no idea if for the same horn Packard used.

http://www.classicandexotic.com/index.htm

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Is there anything left of the unit?

Those gauges used a float and a thin wire that moved a drum to indicate fuel level. The float is probably long gone.

I only saw one that worked on a super low mileage original car. So you might need to consult another 2nd series car for help. After that if the drum is still there the remainder is a matter of fabrication. You probably could get the wire via special order from Martin guitar or a spool of piano wire.

For a float you could make your own or cannibalize an old VW system for parts.

Barry- it is a Hydro-Static gauge. The pdf Howard provided should lead you in the right direction. Their is a very thin air tube that runs from the tank to the gauge. If there is any obstruction, air leak etc, the gauge will remain static.

There are several places (Howard offered one) that sells fluid to refresh the unit. Their are also some NOS on line but they need refreshed as well after all this time.

I would concentrate on the air tube, gauge assy. and tank unit. It is is all tight, you should get a live gauge.

Thank you Howard, I think my 31 coupe has that one, I don't think that is whats on the 26, but it could be, the 26 has a tube running straight out of the back of the gage about 6" long. This is exactly what I was looking for so i can learn and understand how things work.
I appreciate your help!
Barry

thanks for your input, do you know if there is a certain way to test this for leaks?

If yours is the King-Seeley liquid there is a leak check procedure for the gauge piece and the tubing in that Motors article. I didn't go back and read the entire piece but think the tank unit had things to look at too.

Barry,
The King Sealy gauges are referred to in the Packard parts book as Telegages and they were first introduced with the 4th Series cars for both sixes and eights. Assuming your 1926 is a Third Series then I believe Tim Cole is correct. Yours should have the cable and float type gauge. I am not aware of anyone supplying parts for this type, unlike the King Sealy units where all parts are available. I would think as Tim suggested you may be able to replicate the parts using modern cables. The old cork float can be replaced with one made from Nitropyl available from Restoration Supply Co. Hopefully the small bevel gears are are still in place.
When raising questions about your car it is better to specify the actual model by Series number rather than year.

Thanks Ill try to remember that, but my problem is all my paperwork says 333, then others say its a 343 or 433, its a 7 passenger sedan with the jump seats.
I also tried to do a search for restoration supply and coupldnt find the site, do you have an actually web address?
Thanks
Barry

Restoration Supply.http://www.restorationstuff.com

Restoration Specialties.http://www.restorationspecialties.com