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

Hello. First question is about the temp gauge. I see on our sight that there was a service update on the temp gauge wiring. I looked at my 54 Patrician, and it doesn't have the updated regulator between temp gauge and fuel gauge. Is it just how it is wired or what? My car seems to run warmer than it should by the gauge. Second question is about my hydralic lifters. I have one that is ticking. Is there any quick fix or method of trying something to make it quit. Or, do I have to replace. If replacing, do I have to pull the head. Thanks, Brian.

On the temp gauge problem it was found the early senders had an issue and were slightly mis-calibrated making the gauge read a bit higher overall than owners were used to. To correct the reading and particularly if it was a problem an owner complained about, the new "regulator" consisted of a resistor in the voltage supply to the gauge. I've not seen a car with the regulator added to measure the resistance but expect it was less than 10 ohms -- maybe half that. It was a quick, inexpensive and easy to add "fix".

The added resistance and slightly lower current to the temp gauge changed the high end response so when used with the original sender resistance it moved the needle just enough the gauge would read slightly lower at the higher end and would be more within the range expected. The sender problem was corrected in mid 53 by changing the sender to one with a different calibration. If your car is a 54 it should have had the recalibrated sender and would not have or need the extra "regulator".

If a new type sender was added to a car with the regulator the regulator was supposed to be removed because the two were not to be used together. If your original sender was replaced with NOS and was one of the older style then it might benefit from the regulator. Without knowing the value of the resistor it would take some experimentation or finding a real item.

On your second question: I locate the noisy lifter by laying the stem of a mechanic's stethoscope on the lifters one at a time while it is running. Otherwise, it all sounds the same to me. The only sure cure is replacement, which requires removing the head. The secondary cure is to make up a little "hat" for the offending lifter to take up all of its travel save .007". This will make a satisfactory quietness but requires careful measurement. The third and least successful method is chemical magic from the local auto parts store.

Hi

A late old mechanic friend told me they'd quiet ticking lifters by replacing one quart of motor oil with automatic transmission fluid when changing the oil. Swore by it, probably worked best when it was a lifter feed that was partially blocked by dirt or gunk. ATF is detergent so will clean those and is good lubricant while doing so.

But, if its just wear, listen to the prior advice rendered by the gentlemen who have greater experience with such problems.

Steve

If you want to try the "magic in a bottle" the pretty much standard and classic treatment was "Alemite CD-2"; I don't know if it's still available or not. Probably worth a try for the few $ is may cost but the percentages aren't in your favor.

Couldn't those lifters be disassembled and cleaned? Though if it is worn this would not help.

John

I am not one for snake oil and so called magical bottle fixes. However one product does stand tall in the lifter quieting department. That is Rislone and is usually available at most big box parts store and some department stores like Walmart..

G'day bigaadams,
See you've been a PackardInfo member for some time, but first post, so

And I invite you to include your Packard/s in the Packard Owner's Registry.

Thanks for the welcome....I do a lot more research and reading on the average than posting, bit active on a Chrysler related forum though. I am gleaning all I can on the Packard, keying in on tech tips, parts and such. I have not as of yet really started into the bringing her back online phase. When I get a chance to turn a bit of labor to this one I will become very active on this forum. For the record, it is a 1951 Packard Henney senior. Smooth engine..but will require a bit of cosmetics and mechanical attention for safety to call her a running vehicle. Would like to find a bit more about the components on the larger car such as is the hearse. Again thanks for the welcome....

Tim