Re: Wile Family's Second Packard

Posted by Owen_Dyneto On 2012/6/9 19:20:56

Your temperature gauge is powered by a thermal resistance type sending unit. These give a somewhat slow response and at times when the engine temperature is varying, some lag in response is normal.

It's a good idea just for the sake of reference to get some idea of what gauge position corresponds to what actual temperature. In my case (and yours may be quite different) a gauge position of about 1/4 movement from "C" corresponds to about 175 deg. F in the top radiator tank as measured by a very accurate chemical laboratory mercury thermometer. At 1/2 gauge position my radiator upper tank measures about 195 degrees. I've nevere seen it move beyond the 1/2 way position. These cars have a very competent cooling system with good reserve capacity, assuming the system is in good condition serious overheating is very uncommon even in the most stressful conditions.