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

otgdy, As I understand it the metering rods should remain up at all times unless the engine is running. Vacuum from the engine pulls the piston (you can't see as it's under the top plate) and the metering rods down. As you accelerate the linkage lifts the fork which in turn moves the rods up opening the jets. When the engine is not running you should be able to push the rods down and they should spring back up. Maybe taking the top off the carb will reveal that the piston is stuck.

Wow I am impressed would never have thought it was vacuume operated. Thanks for the info !!
Now all I need to find out is how to put power steering in this boat. Thanks again ...

otgdy

OTGDY,
Thanks for the info on cleaning the gas tank. Let me know if you find the name of the chemical that you used.

Has anyone added an additional fuel filter in addition to their ceramic filter, so the car would now have two fuel filters?

My gas gauge is not working so I am guessing that my sending unit has been damaged so I am going to add the after market one that is posted on this website.

I am dropping the tank to day and I will post some pictures later.

Dave in Utah

Most gas gauge problems are usually wiring related and not the sender or gauge themselves. Bad ground, or broken wiring, shorted wiring, etc. Do a search here on the website, and you should find several forum threads on how to dianoise the problem.

Dave in Utah, the installation of a fuel filter before the fuel pump is a good idea. It filters the fuel before it gets to the pump and carb; thus, saving both from becoming contaminated. I don't know why the practice developed to have the filter between the pump and carb. To me, one before the pump makes much more sense. I installed a filter in the fuel line on the outside of the frame rail by the right front tire on my 115C. This location makes it easy to change. I do not have a filter between the pump and carb. Appearance=wise the under hood looks original. John

The preference for filters between the pump and the carburetor is based on the changes in physical properties of liquids when subjected to positive and negative pressures. Just as your pressure radiator cap raises the boiling point of your coolant, the fuel between the pump and the carburetor inlet is under pressure, has an elevated boiling point, and is thus more tolerant to formation of vapor. Vapor lock almost never is found between the pump and carburetor. But conversely, the fuel between the tank and the pump is under a slight negative pressure and thus has a reduced boiling point and is more prone to vaporizing. To the extent that a filter in the suction line adds to the resistance the pump must overcome, you've added to the reduction of the boiling point of the fuel in that line. Now the differences may be small, often perhaps insignificant, but you can't beat the laws of physics.

Over the winter I installed an in line electric pump back near the gas tank to use as a primer for the carb. Modern gas must evaporate more quickly than the old formulae. I never used to have a problem with my carburetor cars before about 1990 but with the Packard the carb bowl is dry after two or three days or overnight after a highway run. There is a filter between the tank and the electric pump. I have some concern that the mechanical pump will have a bigger job sucking fuel through the filter and pump and thereby create a vapour lock problem on hot days so maybe the filter/pump in the gasline between the mechanical pump and the tank isn't such a wonderful idea. Time will tell. Has anyone experienced adverse effects of this nature after installing an electric pump?

Yes, today's gasoline is more volatile and thus more prone to evaporation. My carb also runs dry in a week or so, but I've viewed the few extra cranks of the engine as a positive, as I have oil pressure and distribution before the engine starts. It hasn't had much of an affect on battery life, they (6 volt) still seem to last 5-6 years.

As for the gas tank I had my gas tank boiled and acid washed. They then put a coating inside to plug all the leaks. I asked about that coating coming out and the company i took mine to said that it wouldn't come out unless the gas inside varnished and got old. They told me to keep some sta bil in the gas to prevent it. They also pressure tested the tank after all the coating was done to make sure of no leaks.