Fuel Pump Issues?

Posted by olechesterpackard On 2011/3/14 10:43:25

Gang,

This is my first post. I just bought the 56 Executive known as the Bumblebee from my friend Joe Mazzuchelli in New Hampshire. I got the car on Saturday, and it settled in great. I did the usual post-ship checks for oil, transmission fluid, spark, light, fuses, etc., and the car also started on the button every time, without hesitation.
Yesterday, after a 1/2 hour cruise, I went to an auto parts store to get a fan belt, some transmission fluid, and backup fuses. When I came out, the Packard would turn over, but wouldn't start. A burst of starter fluid would make it run, but as soon as it was gone, the car would die.

I checked the fuel bowl- it is only 1/4 or so full. Also, when I went back to my garage on Sunday after the car broke down, I found an oil/gas mix spot on the drive similar to what you would get in a 2-cycle lawnmower, presumably from under the Packard. Also, when the tow man came and put the car on a flatbed hauler, gasoline ran out from under the front of the car.

My great mechanic Oral Fipps will get to the car mid-week, but I was wondering if anyone had any educated guesses based on the aforementioned issues. Joe put on a new NAPA fuel pump not too long ago. So, bad pump off the shelf, or other blockage in the line? Is what I described (oil/gas mix and gas leak from under car) a fuel pump failure issue?)