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

1954 Packard Clipper, Two-door, Club Sedan, L-8, 327ci/165hp Three-speed manual R11 O/D.

Hi,
My O/D solenoid recently shorted out and failed. At the same apparent time, the temperature gauge in my stock gauge binnacle stopped working. My fuel gauge and all the binnacle back lights seem to be fine. Wiring diagrams seem to indicate that the fuel gauge is wired in the same circuit as the temp gauge.
It seems improbable that the fuel gauge would continue to function if the circuit breaker on the back of the binnacle were blown.
Is it possible that the temperature sending unit that screws into the block, has failed?
Thanks again for your insight.
Warren

Anything is possible on a 62 year old car, even a Packard.
Ground the terminal on the sending unit or remove the wire and ground it to the head on a clean spot. The unit is screwed into the left rear side of the head. Hold for 30 seconds and have someone look at the gauge. If it goes towards hot the sending unit is bad, if it doesn't move then it's most likely the gauge.

Fred, thanks so much for that reply. I'm not well-versed in automotive electrics, so I appreciate your info.

And now, I will sign off this website and call you up to order my O/D solenoid and some suspension parts.

Best Regards,
Warren