Packard Forum Index » V-8 (1955-56)

Unfortunately, the larger parts of the 4GC and other 4-bbl. carbs of this period won't fit in the one-gallon pail.

However, you could simpy pour the chem-dip into one of those cheap "tupperware" containers that will accomodate the parts and let 'em soak. When finished, pour the chemical back into the original container and store it away for the next such job.

Gallon pail about 3/4 full will set you back around $15 or so here and anything larger is outrageous--still probably won't be enough to completely submerge the body though. Brians idea is a good one but suggest checking the label or tupperware container first. Some of the cleaners with solvents will soften or eat right thru some plastics. Brand I have cautions to remove anything plastic from carb. Don't know if any have gone eco-friendly water based yet.

I will not be installing them unless a show is envolved or sell the car. I presently have a single carb installed and am quite happy with it that way.

I suspect quite a few of us have had experience both ways (single vs dual 4GCs) on V8 Packards. When I first bought my 5699 it had a single Carter 4bbl and was later converted back to original. Other than the obvious expense of acquring the needed parts, the only difference other than performance I note is about 1 mpg less highway though I do use a soft foot on the accelerator. Initial setup of the duals took about an extra 20 minutes and has remained OK since. You can either follow the Packard recommendation, or the Rochester one, they are essentially the same.

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Yes, Howard, I should have noted to test the chemical on plasticware, first - forgot about its solvent nature. I'd previously only used the "tupperware" for rust removal solution.

A friend was just face with similar problem in rebuilding a Q-jet for an '80 Corevtte, but used a black plastic 5-gal. bucket that had previously contained some reconditioning (solvent-base) chemical. Tipped on edge slightly, it worked great.

I wish the short-sighted suppliers of the chem-dip would just make a proper size pail to handle these larger carbs.

The complete 6-page bulletin on Rochester 4GCs for 1955-56 Packards is available right here:

https://packardinfo.com/xoops/html/modules/article/view.article.php?138

Get a container big enuf for the carb to set in and tall enuf. Put the carb in it and fill up the rest of the container with a bucket full of nusts and bolts or other misc metallic objects arounf the carb to take up the slack space. Then pour int he carb cleaner.

I've used cheap hardware store lacquer thinner as a carb cleaner but it does not always leave a real shiny outer body. And it has to soak about 3 days.

The carb cleaner is the best to use. I use Berryman. Other brands mite be better. It IS expensive tho.

You could begin the cleaning process by taking the bowl, air horn, venturi and other parts to a good auto parts store and having them run them through their cleaning tank, then Laquer thinner. The trip through the cleaning tank shouldn't cost that much, just wire the parts together so they can't get lost in the process.

You could also use disposable aluminum pans as a "dip" tank.

A good source of pots and baking pans is to go to white elephant sales at Churches and yard sales look over household things usually a lot of large pans and I always look for bread baking pans as the are great for keeping small old things you want to keep organized. Most of these older things are made heavy and can take a lot of abuse for garage use. Better for me to use them than shipped to China for scrap.

Now you've got me thinking Al!

I bet one of those old blue/black, porcelain/enamel on steel stock pots would be just the thing for this.

BTW, old muffin pans are great for storing hardware and small parts during a job.

Yet, when I am rebuilding carbs and such, dissasemble and reassemble on an old flat fiberglass cafeteria tray. The upturned edge keeps small parts from rolling off on to the floor and down the drain.