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

Dave, appreciate the numbers... that should help a LOT!
Testing the sig function with this post...

cheers,
michael

Wheel Addict

It's an old car, winter's coming if you live up north. You'll want to drive it in the spring. Unless you are rock certain of the car's maintenance history, ( recent invoices from vendors you trust) you need to do complete maintenance

Replace all fluids and filters, belts and hoses
Complete tune up with plug wires and valve timing
Check and replace parts as need in brakes. Absolute minimum would be to pull drums. adjust and replace fluid. A complete brake kit from the most obvious vendor may be the best bet
Grease wheel bearings
Double check wiring and install some sort of cut off switch unless the car is to be driven once a week all year long

Flush and fill cooling system

It's an old car and projects are continuous. It's the zen part of the hobby. The real benefit of this is that you get to know your car really well. Many people don't understand what they have.

It may be a lot of money, but look at what the government spends money on. You're ahead of the game

Regards


John Harley

Mike, you can post your directory entry and name it as an extra to your signature. That way we all know what you're talking about without having to look it up. Just another neat feature on this website.

Randy, thanks for the tip, note my last post (and this one) already done, heck, I'm learning again!
Agreed, superb site software, as many features as one could imagine and... it all WORKS! (thanks to BigKev; well done!)

cheers,
michael

John, I appreciate the checklist you've provided, assured, I'm
going over this one bit by bit as it's just arrived in my garage last Sunday, addressing the immediate and obvious needs at the moment. Other than that, I'm learning a lot about it and Packard ways

cheers,
michael

Quote:

I would recommend installing the cut-off regardless of how often it will be driven. These old wiring systems lacked the fuse protection of more modern cars, and plenty of high-draw components are receiving power with the ignition switch off (like the horn, lights, radio).

A cut-off is simple insurance against a fire.

Edit: Sorry, a bit off topic, but I am a very large proponent of fire safety with these cars.

Tom, I whole-heartedly agree. Even with new wiring harnesses and components, I'd say a cut-off is an absolute necessity.

Gentlemen, your advice is spot on; fortuitously, at the last swap meet, I picked up a high amperage cut-off and had almost forgot about it, will add that task to my already lengthy to-do list.
Thanks for considering the safety of myself and my vehicle, sincerely appreciated.

best,
michael

Welcome to the site and congrats on the new car, Wheel Addict. I know lots of more experienced Packard people who really believe the six was one of the more durable engines they built. I just rebuilt the exact same pump, and had a couple of quick tips for you (don't want to offend you, not sure how mechanically inclined you are.)

1) Kig Kev posted a fuel pump "how to" that, while for a later car and pump, is really helpful in concept. I would check it out. Most kits do not give instructions, although the concepts are pretty much the same.

2) Basically, the components you are replacing are the diaghrams (dry out and crack, which is your problem), one way valves for gas and air and gaskets. You can source the kits from a number of places (I used Merritt, who I recoment you get a catalog from) but understand the little one way valves may not look the same, but they operate the same. Critical to be sure you install these properly but not at all tricky.

3) Diagrhams are easy, unscrew the old ones and replace BUT I would fish around and install the "hooks" on the end of the impeller (lever that sticks in the block) as this is next to impossible to do once you button everything up, but very easy to do before you re-tighten all the diaghram screws.

Figure a solid three hours to remove, clean, rebuilt and reinstall - could be less but I take my time.

Last, spend the extra $20 - 25 and replace rubber fuel line that bolts up to the pump. These dry out, get brittle and are not worth saving.

Good luck and keep us posted - Merry Christmas!

Steve, without question I appreciate the 'handholding' in whatever project or task I face; simple details are often overlooked in the 'gosh, I've done this a hundred times' attitude that is sometimes found. Not me, I'd rather read a review of steps involved and absorb the essentials as needed.
Nothing worse than nasty surprises in what was anticipated to be a smooth repair... and I've had my share.
I've noted the helpful video offered by BigKev and will review prior to proceeding. * BigKev!, again*

That said, I'm off on Wednesday to look at (read buy) a
basket-case but running '40 110 so it looks like I'm a committed Packard owner...


An added note; I have yet to find a more helpful, friendly & knowledgeable bunch of folks that those I've found here;
many, many thanks for sharing your tips, info and concern.



cheers,
michael