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

hi cooling experts,

when I bought my car, the thermostat housing was leaky and when I did remove it, there was nothing in it. I ordered a thermostat at Rockauto (very cheap, but they do not realy know what they offer) and the classical small thermostat arrived. It is too small to be fixed, it would fall into the head. I?m about to make an adaptor plate from a 1980ies Mercedes therostat insert wich fits into the head pefectly from the diameter (but is too high to be used in function).

Does anyone know a better replacement?

cool greatings
Michael

Attach file:

---

  (17.71 KB)


  (470.07 KB)


  (279.05 KB)


  (286.55 KB)

You can order the correct style "bellows" thermostat from the Max Merrit, and/or Kanter. I know that Max has them.

thank you! I discovered it on max merritt?s page now! Does it have to be fixed with the retainer in the outlet?s two small noses?

I think the thermostat goes into the housing, and not onto the head. There should be a clip that holds it into the housing. In your second picture where the housing is visible, you can see the "ledge" that it sits against.
You might be able to make a clip out of some spring steel.

The thermostat does not fit in the hole in the head but rather goes up in the outlet portion and flange is held against the ledge you see in your photo by a retaining wire. Max has a photo where you can get an idea of the shape. They may be covered with scale or rust but there are some small dimples and/or notches in the housing where the wire will grab and not allow the thermostat to slide down.

Doesn't the thermostat sit it the upper part of the housing with a snap ring holding it in place or a sleeve?
Wes
You beat me to it Howard, you must of hit submit before I did.

thank you all! such a lott knowledge here!

Attach file:

---

  (209.98 KB)

The bellows thermostat was replaced and Packard transitioned to the modern pellet or capsule type thermostat starting in the early 50s when pressure caps increased over 7 lbs. If you are going to run a higher pressure cap suggest you stick with the pellet type because at increased pressures the bellows are squeezed together by the extra pressure and may not be able to open completely. If the thermostat you bought at Rock Auto is the correct temperature and will fit snugly at the outlet ledge I would use that one.

a 7 lbs cap is on it and a spare one was on my order at rockauto... incredible cheap for 2,60 $ ... and the 1,64 $ thermostat is not fitting in the outlet... it is fiddeling (no mater trowing it in some box in the garage)

hope original thermostat is available, there was no price

What you need is a Packard specific "Thermostat retainer" made of spring wire