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

I love driving my 1950 Packard on club tours, but my wife does not like riding in it. She says she is bothered by the fumes from the engine coming into the cab. I think the source of the fumes is the oil breather which does not recycle the vent fumes like a newer car. Also the hood release linkagage on both sides have a crude imperfect seal to keep fumes from leaking through the firewall.
Does anyone have experience in curing this problem? My first thought is to design a better seal that fits tighter around the hood release link.

Another place fumes could enter is the air vent and heater system. That is fairly close to the line of fire from the road draft tube if one of the ducts, connections, or gaskets is loose or missing.

I'm curious if your hood release mechanism is complete and rubber seal is installed correctly. If the rubber seal is fresh and positioned properly and the large split washer is seated in the notch, the rubber is compressed tightly against the firewall by the washer when closed. It seals quite snugly on my 47.

Fumes could be coming in thru the fresh air vent system. Also, are you sure the crankcase breather pipe is free and functioning? It requires the oil filler cap mesh filter to be clean.

Hi Fred:

First question is: What kind of fumes?

You can buy a carbon monoxide detector or test strips that will determine if it is exhaust oriented (manifold, exhaust system leaks, holes in the floor). If the tests show positive then proceed appropriately.

You can also take the car to a shop that has an exhaust analyzer and test the cabin and engine compartment.

If the breather is the culprit the motor should have rotten compression.

If the motor is painted then it may be paint fumes from a hot motor.

Gasoline leaks will also create fumes as will a leaking radiator.

Finally there is that old car smell which people can dislike as much as old man smell. I live alone so I don't worry about it.