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

A few years ago, I replaced the gas tank sender on the 51 200, and added a ground wire from the tank to the frame. The gas gauge has worked fine for several years, but just quit this week. The temp gauge still works, so the voltage regulator is still ok. Any suggestions? My first idea was to drop the tank and see if the connection to the sender was still tight. thanks

Possibly a loose or broken wire but more likely something with the sender again. Guess there is no easy way to check much on your car without partially dropping tank. 51-2 apparently didn't have the push on splice connector just before wire exits the trunk.

If no reading at all, after accessing connection you can ground the lead and gauge should start to register to test gauge end--but better to have someone watching so you don't leave it connected any longer than to see if it moves. If no movement when doing that, then gauge or wire. As you said, likely not the regulator. If it moves then sender. You didn't mention what was happening but curious if it was one of the repro units or an original. If no reading hopefully something as simple as the ground or the float.

You were right - bad splice in the trunk, done by the previous owner. Just took 15 years to turn loose. Works great now - replaced the entire wire to the fuel sender.