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I just purchased a 55 Packard Clipper 4 door. I filled it up at the station and when I got home gas was spilling all over. It looked like the front seam had a huge leak. I removed the tank filled with water and can't find any leaks. Is it possible that It overflowed through the sending unit and ran down to appear a seam leak?

It's possible. There should be a gasket/o-ring where between the sender and the tank. Perhaps that is missing.

Also, check the fill and overfill hoses to make sure they are not cracked.

Also, leaks where the fuel line attaches are not uncommon if someone has buggered the flare fitting there.

Only place is the rubber vent hose

Or the sending unit gasket .

And while it does not sound like the cause of your current problem be aware that the original steel drain plug can rust to the threaded tank side opening. If you need to remove the plug for any reason, be sure and hold the tapered tank side fitting with something like a small pipe wrench or large pliers as you try to remove it. The tank side is sort of pressed in and crimped over on the inside of the sheet metal and if there is rust, not holding the fitting will usually allow it to turn and generally causes a leak which is very hard to repair. If you do remove the original steel plug it is a good idea to replace it with a brass plug.

There was no gasket on the sending unit when I removed it. I closed off all fittings when I filled it. I believe it's the sending unit gasket. I've ordered a new gasket and also a 57 ford sending unit. I jumped the gun and ordered a tank sealing kit. I'll use it someday I hope.

Another caution on the tank sealant if you do need to use it. Make sure to let it dry with the tank at an angle and not laying so the bottom is flat. If the tank is flat any excess sealant can pool in the shallow depression where the fuel outlet tube is positioned and can block the tube opening. Once the stuff has hardened, if any did reach the opening the tank is generally unusable as there is no way to run anything thru the tubing and have it exit the opening enough to clear the sealant away.

Here is a photo Ross posted of the inside of the tank. I have noted a couple of other trouble spots where issues have occurred more than once.

Attach file:

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  51-6 inside pinhole locations copy.jpg (131.32 KB)

G'day Phat Jonny,
to PackardInfo.

I invite you to include your '55 Clipper in PackardInfo's Packard Vehicle Registry.

Phat Jonny for including your '55 Clipper Custom Touring Sedan in the Packard Vehicle Registry. Nice!

Received the new sending unit with a gasket buttoned it all up and no more leaks. That Ford sending unit works and now I have a working gas gauge.