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

Howdy, folks! Hoping everyone is getting their cars out and about! Today marked the first time in probably many, many years that my 2302 has seen a highway. The Ultramatic and 327 had no problem hustling along at 70 - an awesome ride.

Feeling pretty fired up (in a good way) when I got home. I decided to dig back into my vacuum antenna. From several posts back, I had mentioned the existence of a repair kit on eBay. It uses a large rubber o-ring instead of the leather rings. I put some silicone on the rubber, put it all back together and tada - it works. So yeah, $250 is a lot to get it going, but, proof of concept - this modern adaptation absolutely works. I wish the antennae was like, eight inches shorter, but I'm pleased.

Next, a question. I was wrapping up the antenna work and heard a very clear hissing sound. I assumed it was one of my now seven miles of vacuum line in the car. Turns out, it was the choke tube. Here is the elegant test I used to verify the source of the hiss. The engine is fully warmed here. So is it normal for this much wind to be moving through the tube? I was sort surprised closing it off didn't effect the engine idle, so I assume it's normal... but I wanted to ask. Thanks!

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