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

No problem; all we care about is the resistance and this unit is correct for 51-56.

Sender resistance is the same--approx 80 ohms empty, 10 full. Packard used the same sender 52-56 and slightly different arm for 51 but resistance was the same. On Packards, the gauge voltage was regulated down to around 5v. Ford probably did something similar.

So I know this thread is a few years old but just wanted to thank everyone for the info herein, and add my 2 cents.

Needed a sending unit for my 53, and wanted to use the new replacement unit from Kanters, but was told they are on indefinite back order. After reading through this thread I decided to take a chance on the FG97a from Spectre. It was only like $60.00 at Amazon!Had to do a tiny amount of trimming to the plate on the unit but otherwise it was fairly straight forward.

Haven't run it down to empty yet, but it seems to be registering about right so far.More concerned about it registering empty correctly than full. If I run into any problems down the road I will update.

But, I need one for my 1948 2262 - Will this one work ?

Quote:

No, 53 uses a straight resistance type sender where the value of a resistor changes depending on fuel level.

48-50 models appear to be the only years that used a thermal type sender where a heater works a bimetal strip to open and close contacts to provide a solid ground to the gauge unit. The frequency and duration of the on/off pulses or ground connection changes depending upon how much the float adds or subtracts pressure to the bimetal strip. Another heater in the gauge unit moves the needle proportionally depending on how long the sender keeps the heater on and how long it is off and cooling between pulses.

Best option is to have the original sender repaired if it hasn't rusted away or is beyond repair. If it cannot be fixed then finding NOS or good used is the best other option at the moment. No idea if KM Lifestyles has new or has managed to repro that sender but worth asking. Note there were two senders. One is for a 17 gallon tank and the other is for the 20 gallon. Not sure how hard or if it is possible to make it read correctly if the wrong sender is used. Some Ford products of the era used the same type senders but I don't know if they are any easier to find or will fit the Packard tanks. There have been experiments in trying to find and make a modern resistance unit work but as far as I know there has not been a truly successful substitute found.

John , I have a sender for your 48. Mike Chirco , Tucson Packard

Send details and price Mike - thanks

Anyone have a NOS Packard sending unit - Thanks

Howard - Do you have a sender like this or know of one - Thanks ?

I may have one but it is the 17 gal version. There appears to be two senders -- one for a 17 gal and the other for a 20 gal tank. They may not easily interchange because I expect due to tank size there is a difference in calibration.

Unknown if any difference in the offset motion at the end of the float arm working the mechanism would be where the calibration change would be done or if it was all done with the overall length of the float rod. If at the mechanism end, not an easy fix without a good chance of ruining the sender. If the overall rod length then maybe a fixable difference. How deep is your tank?