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

Hi packard1949, I have both a '51 and '53 Packard with oil bath cleaners. Neither is stored at my home.....so my question is will the referenced Puralator filter fit both the '51 and '53 too??

Believe you will find that the 356s came with skirted filters.

That would make sense based on what I have. I wish there were more under-hood pictures to look at.

Here are some photos of the air cleaner off of my 47 Clipper Custom's 356 engine. They show the use of the modern pleated paper air filter element. It was changed not to increase air flow, but rather to make servicing easier. The center element has been saved and the unit can be converted back to an oil bath type in just a few minutes. Nothing permanently changed. The photos show the skirt feature which has been discussed above.

(o[]o)

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Very cool!

Um - Oh oh

If you sandblast the silencer then the unit is junk. Nothing bigger than 5-10 microns should be going into the silencer. Sand will go into the motor. Rust and paint should be removed using chemicals and captive abrasion (sandpaper). The intake and outlets should be sealed as well.

This type of air filter is a three stage system.

First visible particulates (50 microns) are slung off via the radiator fan. Second the air must change direction twice before entering the filter medium. Third the filter medium collects the remainder.

The paper idea is fine but really needs a foam seal on the top and bottom to prevent leaks. Paper can collect down to the under 5 micron range.

Thanks for all of the suggestions. I cut off the portion fitting over the carb, removing about 3/8" all the way around. Took it to my favorite muffler shop - they welded the cut down portion back on and had it back on the car in about 10 minutes. Now some paint and it should be ready to go!

I am modifying my 52 w/ a 327 to accept a 4 bbl carb .I found a 53 4 BBL INTAKE so far ,and since I currently have a 2 bbl carb ,will need to get a new aircleaner ,Are the 53's air cleaners copper bottom? I think that looks great and would strip it and spray on some clear acrylic to keep it from turning green

The oil bath air cleaner that I modified was from a 50 288 - don't know about the newer models. Just don't get too aggressive with the sandpaper, as you can sand thru the copper coating. Also, any good chrome shop could copper plate it for you as well.

The advice above to use a paper element is excellent as it protects our engines better than the oil bath yet doesn't alter stock appearance. If you have a 1940-50 356, a Wicks # 87055 fits in our oil bath air cleaners as though it were tailor made; perfect, precise fit. Any decent parts house can interchange the Wicks # to another brand.