Tom - yes, I do have the radiator filled to the top. I will drain some out and see what happens.

Thanks,
Don

Ed - based on your last name, I suppose you are the expert in this matter!!
Thanks,
Don

Gentlemen:

Thanks for your excellent explanations and advice. I'll report back how I made out. Thanks again,
Don

Fellow Packard owners - I am a fairly new custodian of a 1931 833 so before I start making mistakes I felt it best to ask the men who own them.

When I first acquired the car 2 years ago it ran like a top, no overheating problems. I did the worst thing - I let the car sit for about 10 months - and just took it out today after checking all fluids. I have many other antique cars, so I am not totally dense, but the Packard is the most lavish and advanced. The car I have is an older restoration, probably in the early 1980s.

After running the car on the road for about 5 to 10 minutes, at local traffic speeds, the engine started boiling over. I let the car sit, started it again, and the same problem. I do not have the louvres on the radiator. I assume there is a thermostat and I suppose the thermostat is stuck from sitting? Hope it is that simple.

Before I start taking things apart, I respectfully ask men with more knowledge than I what should I do first, step by step, so I dont screw anything up.

Thanks,
Don