Re: 1951 288 coolant leak

Posted by Mike Burkhart On 2015/11/15 15:09:10

I just chased a similar problem this week in my '50 Packard 288. Two problems:
1. Radiator hose was leaking around thermostat housing neck. Using a better screw clamp instead of the old OEM clamp fixed that(The judges will get me for that!)
2. The housing where it contacted the gasket and head leaked. VERY IMPORTANT- Dimple the bolt holes up in the housing, use good thick gasket, and black silicone both surfaces with an 1/8' bead, making sure you silicone around bolt holes, too. When I did this a year ago, I used a gasket only (Bad idea) and did not realize the bolt holes had been dimpled toward the head from over-tightening, causing a marginal seal against the head. I dimpled the housing holes back up again, using a drift punch in the holes and a hydraulic press.

It's fixed now with no leaks. That had been a chronic problem on many Packards.