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

I have my Grandfather's 47 Super Clipper with the 356 cu in straight 8 and have recently replaced the temperature gauge with one from a Packard of similar vintage. The car is running in the hot range and concerned about taking it out for more that a few miles drive although I have not boiled it over.

What temp. should the car operate with the ambient in the low 90's?
What should the temp be when the gauge is at mid range and then when hot?

With the radiator cap off here's what I observed:
Thermostat opened @ 176 F
Gauge at mid range @ 190F
Gauge at max Hot @ 210F

Appreciate any feedback and advise.

Regards,

FBallard

Dear FB

Gauges from that era are not very high quality.

The car takes a 160F thermostat so mid gauge should be around 180F

A lot people put gauges under dash when they have these kinds of problems, but you can have your dash gauges repaired.

G'day FBallard,
to PackardInfo, and I invite you to include your '47 Super Clipper in the Packard Owner's Registry.

Ladies and Gents:

I have an infrared thermometer gun that you point at any object pull the trigger and it will tell you temp. I have a 1927 Chevy with motometer and a 1953 Packard dash gauge. I use it all the time on these and other cars. Prior to buying this device I wondered about the same things you are right now. I have grown to trust this device and pointing then pulling the trigger is easier than installing any alternative. On ebay It cost 25 bucks takes a 9 volt battery. I also use it to monitor my electric baseboard heat in basement.

Ken

Hello Tim,
Thanks for the info.
From your feedback my gauge must be close and if anything is a bit on the cool side since I measured 190F at mid range.
Should the typical operating temperature be less than 200F or do they run hotter than that?

Any easy way to determine if I'm getting an exhaust leak into the cooling system? I did not hardly see any air bubbles.

With the car idling I did not see very much flow from the water pump. Since it is not leaking I would not suspect it being a problem.

Any additional feedback would be appreciated.
Best Regards,
FB

FB for including your '47 Super Clipper Eight Touring Sedan in the Packard Owner's Registry. Great family history there!

Thanks Mal
Gday to you.
FB

Have look and see what I did here. Check posts 53 and 55. I found that the infrared showed a bit cooler that the mechanical gauge inline.

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