In the parts collection I was given with my 31, I am sure I came across a NAPA floor starter (for a 31) that was purchased around 1986, still new in the box. I'll look for it and drop some parts numbers for future reference.

Check with John Ulrich in California. He's helped me find some obscure bits for my 31 and might have what you need.

https://julrichpackard.com/

Jeff Dreibus might be a good contact to see if he knows anyone with what your looking for, as well as a rebuilder if you do find one. He rebuilt my DL51 and got my engine running real smooth. I looked extensively at Hershey a couple weeks ago for a DL spare and didn't see the first one. Good luck.

http://www.oldcarbdoctor.com/

I've got a Detroit Lubricator on my 31 and have the same problem. Mine has a flame arrestor which attaches on the front end of the carb. I was planning on finding some heat resistant, loose fitting material (think a loose weave wool felt), sew some opposing velcro straps to it and wrap the who thing around the inlet. Periodically spraying it with silicone spray would probably help trapping the smaller particles. Not very pretty, but functional and easily removable when I pop the hood. A nylon sock over the front end of the carb would probably work in a pinch too.

Owen - Thanks very much

Would Valvoline 85-140 be okay for this application? I've seen information that it's a GL5 gear oil but doesn't contain the sulfur additives and thus yellow-metal safe. Any opinions out there?

Intuition tells me to fill the steering box so that the worm gear is covered, but I'd thought I'd check to see if there was any risk of overfilling. Thanks!

On a related note, I pulled my shutterstat off yesterday cause I had a slight drip. The radiator flange is less than perfect -- what would the preferred gasket sealant be for this application? RTV Silicone?

I think in addition to the applying the sealant to the flange, I'm going to have to apply it to the inside of the cover too given the design of the works.

Have you confirmed that the shutterstat is indeed non-functional? Heat up a pot with about one inch of water on the stove to about 150 degrees with the stat in it and check for movement of the bellows. After warming up, let it air cool back to room temperature (don't shock it) Also, you should have a low tension return spring on the top end of the shutter assembly to help the shutters close. I'd have to believe that the spring takes a lot of stress off the stat during the cool down.

PS - If you have a problem that money can fix, then it really isn't a problem.

I found a very acceptable substitute for my car at a fraction of your price. Your price for 27-30 Packard is $750. American Floor Mat is about $90. For the same thing.

https://www.americanfloormats.com/corrugated-rubber-runner-mats/