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Where can I purchase a fuel sending unit for a 48 Packard or get the one I have rebuilt? Or is there another model sending unit I can use?

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The 48-50 gauges and senders are unique. The senders have a heater and mechanically biased bimetal on/off contact action. The output is a pulsing action alternating between 6v and ground. The float changes pressure on the bimetal so the time it takes the heater to heat and close the contact for the on/off action varies. No gauges Packard used in the years before or after work the same way as those do. All others were changing resistance types where the float would move a wiper across a resistance wire to change the resistance from the gauge to ground.

As far as I know there are no reproductions, no modern universal senders that will work and NOS senders for the 48-50 models are all but obsolete so somewhat hard to find. You might try Tucson Packards as they sometimes have the odd and hard to find item. If it just needs a new float that can be done but if the case or mechanical parts are severely rusted or something is wrong with the bimetal or heater I don't believe any of the instrument places will try to repair them -- or if there is a place that does good repairs, it is not common knowledge. If no one else has better information, about the best I can suggest is try to find good used. There are 17 and 20 gallon tanks in those years so two senders were used and they are not drop in interchangeable.

It has been reported that some Ford Motor Co products of the same era also used that type of sender but don't believe anyone has come up with a specific car or model to try and find a cross. Last I read Ford people were in a similar fix but since those are much more plentiful there might be some old stock at some of their vendors. If someone has any interchange possibilities it would be nice to see it posted.

Luis, I bow as always to HH56's exhaustive knowledge. You've isolated the problem to the sending unit, not dash instrument, checked your ground? Even on restored, rebuilt cars of the highest order, you want to scratch a trace of paint off where your ground wire attaches, perhaps a hint of grease to prevent rust.

See if you can cut a nice access patch in your trunk floor as Chryslers of the '40s had, but not Packard, the latter wanting to keep their customers indentured fiscal servants.

Remove the sending unit, spray gently through the weep hole some contact cleaner, something like WD-40 Specialist Contact Cleaner (n o t regular WD-40) in case there's tarnish, corrosion on that wee rheostat within.

If your corks are gas-logged after three-quarters of a century, Ace Hardware has an assortment. Pick a pair close to your size. Give these two coatings of POR-15 and let them dry at least 96 hours.

Others here will have more insight.

Should your sending unit be shot, try Jeff Adkins, Moose Motors, Penngrove, CA (707) 792-9985, packardguy54@sbcglobal.net or John Ulrich (below), as well as Tucson Packard, Mike Chirco, also below:

Tucson Packard
Tucson Packard
tucsonpackard.com
Tucson Packard has been the go-to for people for years to get their restoration needs. We have over 40 years experience with Packard. Quality parts and great ...

John Ulrich Packard
julrichpackard.com
John Ulrich Packard parts 1928-47. Reproduction and used. Good selection of both Junior and senior Packard Parts. Quality California parts and a NO hassle ..

All best,Luis,and please tell these gentlemen that Mike, '47 Super Clipper, Walnut Creek, CA referred you.

I posted picture of the unit

See my response re 1950 gas gauge from December 8 2022 that provides a link to the Dennis Carpenter website for a Ford unit

Thanks BDeB. I had completely forgotten you posted the Ford information.

Here is BDeB's link to the Ford unit again. It does not look the same but if it is adjustable for the different capacity tanks and works, that is all that matters. Since the link was posted have not seen any reports back so don't know if anyone else has used it. If you decide to give the sender a try please let us know your experience or any difficulties.

dennis-carpenter.com/trucks/fuel-system/ ... unit/99a-9275-gas-tank-sending-unit

I have fuel sending units available for 1948-50 520-336-0057 Tucson Packard

Following Up On This Thread -

Has anyone tried the fuel sending unit for the Fords sold by Dennis Carpenter?

If so, please report, as my 49's tank is out to be cleaned and sealed, and my original sending unit is shot.

Thanks!

Ford Fuel Sending Unit In Question