White Post has acquired Ed Strain's business, but not Ed. The Price for a '55 Packard rebuild is $445 plus return shipping. That is almost $200 more than I paid several years ago. Turn around time is 2 to 3 weeks.

Is that the going rate? Is there any other RELIABLE rebuilder? There have been several complaints about White Post but I cannot locate them at the moment. Have they cleaned up their act?

Thanks,
Bernardi

Thanks for the referral, but that post refers to the power steering pump. My problem is with the control valve and power cylinder.

Bernardi

Has anyone put MMO in stale gasoline? The label says it will retard the formation of varnish, gum and resins. It sounds as if it might be used successfully to salvage old gas if one forgot to put Sta-Bil in.

The Q&A on the MMO web page says it can be used for winter storage.

Bernardi

I have a 1955 400 with Bendix power steering that leaks like a sieve. The kits I received from Kanter were a real surprise. For the control valve there are two seals that look like washers - $56. For the power cylinder there are a snap ring, some washers and a seal or two - $56. Installation instructions consist of the the exploded diagram of the parts from the Packard parts manual.

Help! It looks easy but the rebuilt parts run $300 - $400 each. It cannot be very easy with such a difference in cost.

Several years ago someone volunteered to walk me through the rebuild process. I was intimidated by the process and did not take advantage of the offer. If it isn't too late, I would like to accept the offer now. Unfortunately, time and a fading memory have obscured the name of the thoughtful volunteer.

If he, or anyone, can direct me to instructions or help me out, I would be most appreciative.

Bernardi

Thank you one and all for the information and help. I decided to go with the Classic Car Motor Oils rather than mix my own. 10W 30 would have been my preference, but 15W 40 is offered.

Hemmings now offers three weights of synthetic and synthetic blend oils with Zinc in the range of $50 for a six pack, plus shipping. That is just a little rich for my blood. It is my understanding that a rope seal such as a rear main seal will not hold synthetics.

Memory tells me that several years ago a PAC or PI chapter persuaded an oil refinery to run a batch of oil with high zinc content for our older cars. I cannot find it in my references. Can anyone help me? I believe the source was in Ohio.

Thanks -
Bernardi

Thank you one and all for your suggestions. I believe the order in which I'll attack the problem is -
1. Lucas Power Steering Stop Leak
2. A kit from Kanter with instructions from the suggested site
3. If I screw the rebuild up, go to Rock Auto and pay the piper.

I have high hopes that eventually I can park the Packard in my driveway without having little (or big) spots of dripped fluid.

Bernardi

The power steering on my 55 400 leaks like a sieve. Does anyone rebuild them? A replacement from Kanter is a little out of reach, although the repair kits are not. How difficult it installing the kit?

Will a Stop Leak such as is used in engine oil swell the seals or will it gum up everything?

Any thoughts will be much appreciated.

Bernardi

Nicely done!

Bernardi

James -

Thank you. I'll try that in the morning.

Bernardi