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My housing was a bit rough as well and I used the regular gasket with some Permatex 2 sealant. That was a year ago and all has been well. Also, if 51 is like 53, which I would guess it is, the bolts for the thermostat housing need to be sealed as well as they go through to the water jacket.

There are vendors listed in the Directory.

For new parts, Max Merrit would be you best bet.

Many of other vendors have good use parts and some NOS.

I thought changing out the thermostat would be a nice, straightforward task as a first job with the newly acquired 1950, 2301 Regular Eight Touring Sedan. (I will register soon) When the housing was removed there was no retaining collar present! I am therefore looking to acquire one or an entire subsystem. Kanter does not have any nor a one-piece replacement they once offered. They gave me a part number PAC 348537. Might there be dimensions available to have machined into existence?

On this www.Packardonfo.com does a list of qualified vendors exist for when a search like this is required? Amazon and ebay also do not have these parts. What are your thoughts on a modern one-piece system? Does one exist for this car? I humbly ask for your assistance in helping locate what I need to get my 'blooper' back on the road. I want this car to be a regular driver and not a show car.

I believe these are the part numbers taken off a Packard Parts List from this site:

Thermostat housing - 5.0508

Thermostat - 5.0506

Retaining Collar - 5.0507

Gasket (paper?) - 5.0509 (Should I consider a cork gasket as the mating surface of the housing is a bit rough?)


Thank you very much.

Got a few things done this evening.

First I installed a "Hope I never need it" accessory.




The bracket is attached to the floor.

Next since I've had the car it's had a few mystery leaks. Leaking coolant from the engine towards the back. I re torqued down all the head nuts. There actually were a few that were a couple of pounds shy of spec. The jag motor has an external water distribution tube and I think part of the leak maybe where it bolts to the engine. So I tightened down all those bolts as well. That all helped, but still had a seap in a few spots. So next up was the pulp pellets.




Basically one pellet takes care of 1/2 gallon of coolant capacity. So I needed 8 pellets as the coolant system takes about 4 gallons.

So after pre-crushing the pellets and mixing them up with a little bit of new coolant in a mixing cup, I got engine up to temp so I knew the thermostat was open and circulating and poured the slurry into the radiator and let circulate for 15 mins.

I then prepared to paper train the Jackard to identify locations of any additional leaks.

Fresh Newspaper on a clean drip tray, and a couple of magnets to prevent the paper from moving around.





And under the car it goes.




I'll check in the morning and see if there is any evidence of coolant.

I know am seaping a little bit of oil. Which I think is one of cam oil lines in the rear. Also maybe a bit of rear seal leak.

Ok. So turn and test. I turned it a 1/4 and it doesn’t feel much resistance. Will proceed with caution.

You don't want it too tight, as that can cause premature shaft wear.

Ladies and Gentlemen Will be uploading new pics today!! Almost there!!!

Could be worse! Should be doable for someone with enough ambition and money.

Currant photos!

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Can I over tighten the packing nut? 1/4 turn at a time and check?