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

Sometimes vacuum gauges aren't a good indicator of an intake leak. They are fine for massive leaks.

Try slowly closing the choke plate with your finger to see how it affects the engine. If it starts running better there is a problem.

Hi all, well we are so busy cleaning up after our monsoon weather I haven't had a chance to get back to the Packard project. will take all your suggestions into advisement and let everyone know what I find! thanks again for the info!

If it isn't a silly question, is there a Bakelite spacer under the carb? If it is in contact with the manifold that will be hot enough to boil out the carb.
Gary

I can't imagine an air filter would be a cause of stalling, unless it is totally blocked with filth, and you would notice that. I forgot to mention, on my car I still have the original oil bath air cleaner, with used auto trans fluid. It worked 70 years ago, it still does.
Gary

It simply does not have a big enough surface area to allow air to get in. Blocked or not, it is going to cause restriction problems exactly as was shown and the fact that it runs differently when removed is a perfect illustration of the problem. If you do all your fuel and air mixture settings with the cleaner off, then notice a significant change putting in on afterward, clearly it is the problem! It’s not just its diameter but also its height which in itself of would cause problems.

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A double stacked air cleaner would seem to provide enough filtering surface and not restrict air flow.

Thanks again for all the great responses, I changed the air cleaner to a triple stack. I'm beginning to think it's the carburetor itself. I have a rebuilt one coming and I'll let everyone know if it solves the problem.

Ok, so I put a rebuilt carburetor on, and it fixed the problem! works with filter on or off. It was the carburetor all along. thanks everyone for your help! now on to the other stuff I have to do to make my 52 whole again. what fun! :)