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

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If you got 2 hours to kill then might as well try it. Remember to scribe the parts (or take a photo) so that the inlet and exit ports are positioned correctly on reassembly. Usually they were made rotationally symmetrical so that one pump would work for more cars.

Thanks for the guidance. I will do some reading and watching tonight - I plan to remove the pump tomorrow and begin the rebuild process.

Do I need to remove the heat shield or any other parts to remove the fuel pump? Is this best removed from above or below the engine?

Yes, the heat shield must come off (one bowls is one that holds on the pump anyway) but I typically remove it from the top. Be aware that there are, or should be, phenolic washers and phenolic sleeves on the bolts to minimize the transfer of heat.

Here's a good video that will help with your fuel pump rebuild. I did my pump and carb last summer and it made a wonderful improvement to how my car ran, particularly the carb rebuild. Take pictures as you go, they may be helpful for reassembly.

youtu.be/g4uJh_mn_6g?si=ZGCJ16V0nYS1l48p It's mostly remove and replace parts, and a fairly doable little project. Pay particular attention to preloading the diaphragm at 12:29 on the video.

You'll find this fine screen in the suction side of your fuel pump, and you'll have a replacement in your rebuild kit. As far as I know this is all the cars originally had and the glass bowl style was an add on. The bowl filter certainly doesn't hurt, but I don't know how much the screen in the pump misses that the glass bowl filter would catch. There is a drain on the bottom of your fuel pump, which I suppose would be good practice to remove occasionally and drain to remove any debris that was collected. I should put that on my maintenance list as it's easy to forget.



The diaphragm on the vacuum side of my pump had a tear in it. Repairing this helped my windshield wipers work better! I love the vacuum wipers, part of the charm of these cars.



Fuel pump rebuilt and reinstalled. I picked up this heat shield for the fuel line off Amazon. It's velcro so you can take it off when necessary. There should be a wire through the mounting bolts so in the event they ever come loose they can't come out.



These are the insulators that Don mentioned, which seems to go missing. They are available from Max Merritt, part #324771K They help reduce the amount of heat transfer from the engine to the fuel pump.

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Did they come with a glass bowl filter from the factory? Would have my '53 Cavalier had one? If it did, it's been removed at some point. I currently have an inline filter which I put down by the tank after I cleaned it. (Don't tell PGH! LOL) Now that several tanks of fuel have been run though I'll remove it for easier starting after that car has sat for a while.

Maybe I should be adding a glass bowl filter as well? How much does the filter in the fuel pump miss that would get stuck in the carb?

Thank you all again. Very helpful replies. I'm waiting for my fuel tank to arrive today and then I will have a couple of sessions with the car today. I ordered the bushing kit as advised. That will be here tomorrow.

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I don't know that the glass bowl was factory or not, but most cars I've seen have them. The ceramic filter in mine was shot, so I replaced with a modern paper filter that I've retrofitted. Either the ceramic or paper filter will make sure there are no particulates before hitting the carb. The screen in the fuel pump will get the big stuff but not the small stuff. I don't know that small particulates will do any real damage, but glass bowl filters are easy to find and cheap insurance. Plus I like to visually check the condition of the gas in the bowl.

The both the glass bowl fuel filter and the oil filter were accessories but commonly installed. I’ve never had a Packard without both as they were inexpensive insurance!

From the 1954 Accessory brochure found on this site. Note that these brochure photos do not accurately represent the appearance of those actually used.

Good Morning...One thing an 'old' machanic taught me some 65 years ago was to put a strong magnet in the fuel bowl. It will trap all sorts of rust from the fuel tank and you can see when it needs to be cleaned. Since he was old...65 years ago...he went back to the beginning of automobiles damn near! Happy Packarding...Ernie in Arizona

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We might be more excited for your car to be running than you are!