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

The previous owner-installed aftermarket electric fuel pump has bitten the dust. Not having much success finding a replacement. For example, NAPA insists on selling me one that would be suitable for a harbor tug, rated at 72GPH. This might be the time to contemplate converting the car to 12 volt negative ground. Been reading up on it and seems doable; the great unknown is how to open-up the dash to add voltage reducers to be able to keep the original gauges. I would like to hear from anyone on the forum who has insight regarding dashboard access.

Good Morning...Best to keep it six volt. I have a 49 Packard, 288 with original six volt system and it runs just fine. You can get a proper electric priming fuel pump from any of the Model A Ford parts suppliers. Might start with Brattons 800-255-1929. Or Arizona Model A 480-782-0266. Not very expensive...primarily used when folks install a down draft carburetor on a Model A. Ernie in Arizona

A 12v conversion is involved and depending on options some components may be hard to find and expensive to change. On a very basic 39 maybe not as bad as a postwar model but changing things like the generator, regulator, starter solenoid, coil and bulbs are a must. Gauges can be accommodated as can the radio and heater and there are different methods offered for those -- some better and more expensive than others. Having an auto electric shop modify the starter itself to run on 12v is strongly suggested as many have seemingly had no issues but then experienced an unfortunate surprise usually accompanied by a loud bang when they tried to start the engine. The increased torque caused by the 12v slamming the pinion into the end of the starter casting resulted in several castings finally being broken at very inopportune times.

For years the Airtex E-8011 was the 6v fuel pump many used. It is a solenoid style pump which has a 5-9 psi range and when mounted by the tank works well in priming or assisting when vapor lock conditions are suspected by pumping fuel thru the existing mechanical pump. Airtex 6v pumps seem to be out of stock in many places now so they may have been recently discontinued. Amazon has another 6v pump they say is a direct replacement for the Airtex E-8011. I am not familiar with the Brock brand but in looks and hookup it seems identical to the Airtex.

If you are not running fuel from the electric thru the mechanical pump or only have the electric then the 5-9 psi pressure may be too high and a lower pressure pump or a pressure regulator may be needed. The lower pressure 6v Airtex E-8902 pump which has a 2-4.5 psi output is also out of stock in several places so using the regulator may be the only choice. Holley makes one that adjusts in the 1-4 psi range and another in the 4-9 psi range.

12-volt conversions are for the birds. Keep it 6 volts. "Factory standard" was a Packard service dept. motto. Good grounds, double aught copper battery cables, ends crimped and soldered, a Cole Hersee battery shut off switch to facilitate working on the car or it sitting between runs without battery drain. Ernie above is right, and Howard HH56 gives good advice as always.

12-volt conversions are the first step toward trashing a Packard or any old car. There is no gain, only new problems. Your car worked wonderfully for decades as Packard intended. Don't reinvent the wheel. Learn how to do things right. All the service manuals are under Main Menu and tips from many here as above.

Quote:

If you don't already know how to do this then you will spend much more time, money, and effort doing a conversion than just keeping it 6V.

Thanks to you all for the great advice. I am a big fan of original, myself. Was able to source a replacement fuel pump from Summit Racing. Was not looking forward to the conversion; all of your comments have great persuasive value and I am inclined to leave it as it was designed.

The best thing to do in my opinion is to dump the electric pump all together and get the stock system working properly. With it well-sorted, the car will start right up without issues.