Packard Forum Index » Pre-War (1899-1942)

Guys, this is very helpful information! Thanks for taking the time to help us out. My dad says that the water pump isn't leaking as bad anymore but he found another leak at the radiator. He thinks it's coming from the upper reservoir. Here's a pic showing it....half the radiator is wet, and coolant is visible on the upper left corner. Replacement? Repair? What are our options?


Here is a picture of the water pump (I believe....haven't seen it in person).



On a side note, is it possible to tell whether this is a 1603 or 1605? Being a 1938, the builders sticker is long gone. Here's the car:


Thanks,
Kevin

Easy to tell a 1603 from a 1604 and a 1605, just measure the wheelbase. They are 127, 134 and 139 inches respectively. Yours looks like it may be a 1605 but a tape measure will tell all.

Yes, your 2nd photo is the water pump. And from the looks of the radiator, it's had at least one poor quality repair in the past. Nevertheless if the core is in good condition the leak at the tank/core area is pretty basic work for a good radiator shop. I'd have him boil out the core and check the flow rate before deciding whether a recore is necessary, it won't be inexpensive - probably about $700 or more for that size radiator. Those radiators had plenty of excess capacity when new so if only a tube or two needs to be pinched off and the rest of the core is sound and up to snuff, you should still have plenty of cooling capacity.

Wheelbase is 139 so it's a 1605. Thanks for the tip Owen. I was just looking at Packard: A history and saw that that information was in there. I guess I should have checked there first, my bad.

We'll keep you updated on what we find out with the radiator!

-Kevin

Kevin,
for including your Dad's '38 Super Eight Touring Sedan in the Packard Owner's Registry, nice looking Packard.