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

My next project, which I've been avoiding, is rebuilding my carb. I've been avoiding it because my car is running well and I don't want to mess it up. But I want to get seals, pump, etc in that are compatiable with modern fuels.

Any words of wisdom as I tackle this project? I'm thinking it should be pretty straight forward, and that as long as everything is set/adjusted correctly I should be good to go.

I have this good step by step video from Mike's Carburetor.
https://youtu.be/CoxRuNKCW_w?si=IDZsjVhFTlyrpXe_

I rebuilt the carb for my 400. Started on a dime when I reinstalled it, with no leaks, but I still need to tune it up. It's not too hard if you have some basic aptitude. Lots of small parts though.

Don't bend the floats against the valves. Support them fully or remove them when making adjustments, then reinstall and check.

Check for pin holes by dipping them in hot water for a few seconds.

Obviously when reinstalling the air horn, you want to tighten over several passes. Most recommend center out to help relieve the gasket.

With anything I am taking apart for the first time, I always take an ungodly amount of pictures. Screw out, take a picture showing the screw size and the hole it went I to. Repeat.

This really helped when I had things apart and walked for days weeks, months...etc. Also everything goes into labeled ziplock bags if being stored for awhile.

Then to reassemble, I can just look at the pictures in reverse order.

Also if you have something like a cafeteria tray, or your wife's finest cookie sheet (any tray with a lip), it helps to contain the parts. Especially check balls that tend to roll away when you're not looking.

If you haven't already, buy a one of those gallon cans of carb chem dip. The one that comes with the little basket inside. It works a jiffy to soak carb bodies and other parts to remove varnish from the inside of small internal passages.

Sometimes the sheets that come with the rebuild kits are better than the general Packard Factory Service manuals as far as details. Also if you have access to a vintage Motor Manual or Glenn's Manual they tend to have better details as well.

Finally, if you haven't downloaded the Packard Service Man's Training Manual for your type of Carb. They cover a lot of info, and theory so understand what does what.

I'm one of those people who can take something apart, then (literally) decades later put it back together again without any problem. However, now that I have a way to photograph things easily rather than getting out the old Polaroid for an occasional shot, I do as 53 Cavalier does by photographing everything and use the photos as a guide. Maybe age or just lack of practice while all my cars sat dormant for so long but I find that the photos are extremely helpful and even fun to look at later.

As for carburetor rebuilding, these are quite easy so just watch out for small parts. Work on a flat table with a cloth under the work in case a ball comes rolling out or the like. These little things are generally included in the kit anyway but why take chances!

The buckets of Chem-Dip have gotten very expensive so, rather than having caustic chemicals around, I use an ultrasonic cleaner, placing the part into a small container with some less caustic cleaner, then running it in the machine. Of course, for only one or two cars that might not be practical but with all mine (I have eight) it seemed the way to go.

I see you have already found Mike's Carburetor on youtube. He has an excellent video about correctly setting the metering rods. www.youtube.com/watch?v=4QgjJYjErZ8
It took me less than 15 minutes with a screwdriver to solve a couple issues with mine. I was running too rich.

Great feedback, thank you everyone!

Pictures and maybe even a video on this project!

I'll keep you posted, I'm thinking of getting started on this after work this evening.

Let the games begin!




Lots of little pieces!




Accelertor pump is toast, which I suspected it might be. The new one has a spring on it, is this missing off the old one?




What purpose do these two holes in the insulator serve? The gasket sitting on top was 180 degrees to how it is sitting in the picture. When I put it in this position the cutout in the gasket lines up with these holes making me think this is the way it should go.




The gasket between the intake manifold and insulator has the cutout to the back, is this correct?




The new "gasket" (My kit only includes 1 not 2) does not have this cutout at all. Should it?? And I guess I'll have to make one more gasket.

I've never seen a proper gasket without the cutout and yes, it should align with the holes. That said, I'm not sure what it does so once someone explains it we'll both know!

Incidentally, your workbench is FAR to neat and tidy. That's just not right!

Maybe while you're at it you can check the vacuum check valve for the power brakes as it's easily accessible without thee carburetor in the way. You don't necessarily have to even remove it. Just remove its hose, put on a shorter clean one and try to blow and suck (carefully!) through it. You should be able to blow easily but not suck at all. If any air comes through while sucking, it's a problem so you'll have to take it apart for cleaning - if it comes apart. I don't recall if it does or not.

On this model of carburetor, I recall seeing a service note of some sort for adding a short tube in one of the holes. Something to do with gas sloshing in on certain turns and causing a stall. I couldn't readily locate the Service Counselor with the tidbit but I did find this section on carburetor servicing which might help. It's volume 27, starting on page 1.