Packard Forum Index » Post-War (1946-54)

Hey guys, so i took my standard 8 49 out for a test run after sitting for 2 years. coolant level is fine and still looks good. its been about 80 degrees outside this past week, thegauge gradually rises to the hot side. it doesn' t overheat or atleast hasn't over a 20 minute drive. i read in the manual its normal for the gauge to rise to hot but it's not very reassuring, is this normal?

Dear Chevy:

Try checking the sender at the back of the cylinder head with an ohmmeter.

Also drop a kitchen thermometer in the radiator when it says hot.

If it's overheating a teaspoon of water will boil on the cylinder head as well.

At a traffic light the gauge can peg but it shouldn't while moving.

Hope this helps

Chevy
got myself an infrared temp gun for 20 bucks off ebay. My 1927 Chevy does not have a temp gauge although it does have a motometer but wanted to know exactly so got the temp gun and all you do is point and pull trigger and it tells you temp.

I can also check my electric baseboard from across the room, or check the temp of that beer or champagne ...


Ken

I had problems with my '50 356 overheating. In my case the problem was a bad thermostat that wasn't opening combined with a short neck radiator cap in my long neck radiator. Since the thermostat and radiator cap were replaced the car cruises right at mid-line and only rarely heads towards the H side of the gauge (usually when idling after a long run as in Tim's stoplight scenario above). The car hasn't 'pegged' the H since the replacement of the thermostat and cap.

Thanks everyone, I have already checked napa for a thermostat, they have one for 9 bucks. I've always done my own work but am strapped for time, what should a coolant flush cost? And also,are the common preventative maintenance shops (jiffy lube, pep boys etc.) trustworthy enough for my packard for a flush?

Do you have a part number of the thermostat and what temperature is it? I'm looking for a 160 degree for my car.

Max Merritt Auto also has them and damn near anything else that you might need. 317-736-6233. Very nice helpful people. Ernie

I'm sure they do. But the cost to buy it and ship it north of the 49th and pay duty and sales tax, because the Canadian government wants their cut, makes it rather pricey.

There are several price levels of thermostats for your car. All below are 160 degree 54mm thermostats.

Economy:
Stant 13006

OE Type:
Stant 13356
Gates 33006

Superstat (Premium):
Gates 33006S
Stant 45356

Thank you!