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

My 1937 Six is sputtering at higher speeds and so I figure I should start by checking the fuel pressure. How is that done? Is there a tester gauge in the 1-5 psi range available?

Before you go to that trouble, I would double check your point gap as too close or too wide will cause similar problems at high speed.

Another simple test for fuel delivery would be to come up to the troublesome speed and let the car coast for ten seconds with the clutch in to let the carb fill. Then get on the gas again and see what happens. If it is a fuel delivery problem the car will be briefly OK while the carb empties back down.

Almost any of the parts or racing supply places have fuel pressure gauges available in various ranges and types. I keep one and a vacuum gauge piped in on the Cad. Takes bit of tubing plumbing but easy. These cars were often under or inadequately instrumented for diagnosis which is required more regularly as they age. The test kit type will come with fittings & hose usually. <<$50. You'll have to look up what the pressure should be in the manual 4 your model. I'm not a prewar-ee. I can probably look it up if I have the pump number.

I bought a fuel pressure gauge from OTC (via Amazon).

To quickly test, I disconnected the fuel line from the carb, plugged it to the gauge, and ran the car off the fuel in the float bowl. Making a tee fitting would probably be a better solution.

As others have said, it may be an ignition problem. When was your last tuneup or distributor service?

Great car - good luck!