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

My mistake, I must be thinking about another thread. I'd seen someone was looking for a sender for the 48-50 cars....

Does anyone know the ohm values of the
1956 fuel tank sending unit?

and I'm sure most of you know that ethanol
destroys Brass
Best

51-56 senders use the same values as some 80s and earlier Ford and Chryslers. Approximately 75 ohms empty and 10 ohms full. The arm length to fit different size tanks is the main difference from the Ford units.

I bought a new tank and sender from Kanter. Installed and does not work properly. I am very interested in buying an alternative to the Kanter sender. What is the consensus of the group for a 53 Clipper? Thanks

I would check the resistance range for the Kanter sender first to make sure it is working properly. You can also do the test starting on page 44 of this service counselorpackardinfo.com/xoops/html/downloads/SC/SC-VOL27NO10.pdf although not having a known good sender might prevent a conclusive answer when checking the gauge unit.

The King-Seeley gauges Packard used from 51-6 need approx 70-75 ohms empty and 10 full. Also make sure the tank is well grounded. There have been issues with improper sender readings because of paint or other compounds not allowing a good metal to metal ground connection if the tank has been removed and replaced. Several have added a small ground wire between the tank and frame by drilling a small hole and attaching a wire to the excess metal on the center flange at one of the tank corners. If you don't want to drill you could also figure some way to use the retaining ring holding the sender to attach a wire so it can touch directly to the sender mounting flange.

A few have said the FG97a Spectra senders as used in 57 T Birds and a few other Ford products in that era are the correct interchange. Amazon, Summit and several other places carry that sender. You will need to verify that the arm length and angle on any Ford sender you buy is the same as Packard used. Ford had several different size tanks and the arm length seems to be the main difference. If you get one with a shorter arm the reading will be off but if that happens you could cut the arm wire and add more length by tightly crimping a couple of electrical butt splice connectors to attach the added wire.

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Here are NOS units so everyone can see the visual difference

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