Re: Idiot's First Packard: 51' 200 Ultramatic Coupe

Posted by kevinpackard On 2024/6/14 23:25:30

I agree with David on the fuel pump. There is a very strong possibility that it will need to be rebuilt. Without knowing the history of the car you have no idea if it has been rebuilt in the past. The original rubber on the diaphragm will likely tear. They aren't difficult to rebuild and there is a great tutorial that David told you about. There is probably a YouTube video by Then and Now Automotive that should cover a pump similar to yours.

If there has been old gas sitting in the tank then it needs to be drained and the car run from fresh gas out of a can and not from any of the original system, until you get the fuel system cleaned up and sorted. Otherwise you have a very high risk of gumming up your valves and leading to multiple stuck valves. Been there, done that. Take the time and go through the steps to get a good, clean fuel system from front to back....it'll pay dividends in the end. Either have the fuel tank cleaned or replace it. Clean out or replace the main fuel line from the tank to pump. Rebuild the fuel pump. Replace the flexible fuel line to the fuel pump. Rebuild the carburetor (high likelihood the accelerator pump is shot). Do this and you'll have a solid fuel system that won't let you down. It is well worth the work!!

-Kevin