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HI EVERYONE.I JUST BOUGHT THIS 53 MAYFAIR. DON'T HAVE ANY LIT (SHOP MANUAL).
1) PWR BRAKES: WHAT TYPE OF BRAKE FLUID DOES THIS USE?
THE DOT 3 OR (SILICON) DOT-5? HOW CAN I DETERMINE IT?
2) AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION: DO I CHECK THE LEVEL WHILE ENGINE IS OFF OR RUNNING?
AT THIS MOMENT IT READ ABOVE THE LIMIT LINE WITH ENGINE OFF. IT LOOKS LIKE THE STD RED FLUID.
WHAT TYPE FLUID DOES IT USE?
THANK FOR YUR HELP

53 Mayfair is a really nice Packard, best of luck with it.

Original trans fluid was Type A which is no longer available, most folks use Type F or Type FA which can be comixed with each other or with Type A, though it might be a good idea to drop the pan and clean, and drain all the old fluid and refill - capacity about 12 quarts if you drain the torque converter. Check fluid level with engine warm, idling.

If one can't identify the type of brake fluid is currently in the car, I would hesitate to guess and top if off with something that might not be compatible. Best bet is to drain and flush very thoroughly andf refill. Many folks use DOT 3 or DOT4, changeover to silicon requires a change of all rubber components, wheel cylinder seals, hoses, etc. Also some rebuilders of the booster do not recommend silicone for it. I personally use DOT4.

Hope this helps. Others will have more advice.

Originally used type A which is NLA. Current type F is closest to the original although some swear by a product called Trick Shift.
The instructions are to check in neutral within 5 minutes after allowing the motor to run at 800rpm for at least one minute. This fills the converter. If quick enough, the engine should probably be turned off when checking. The instructions are a bit vague but I believe since the converter slowly drains back that is why the 5 minute limit--although not sure why neutral is specified since park puts the control valve in same position.

Brake fluid originally was ordinary Dot 3 or 4. If the car has not been driven regularly or even if it has, the Easamatic (Bendix TreadleVac) Power brake unit should be checked or even gone through by someone competent and familiar with them.

Quote:G'day again Vito,

Again to PackardInfo and see you found your way from the Chatroom to the Forums. Also see you're getting plenty of advice from the experienced, friendly and knowledgeable Packard people here.

A request of you though, could you please include your '53 Mayfair in the Packard Owner's Registry here, together with a pic, any known history and how you acquired it?

HELLO HH56
Re: 1953 MAYFAIR AUTOMATIC TRANS & PWR BRAKES
THANK YOU FOR THE INFO. I FIND IT VERY HELPFUL.
VITO1950

HI OWEN,
THANK YOU FOR YOUR ANSWER TO MY QUESTIONS ABOUT THE BARAKE AND XMISSION FLUID. VERY HELPFUL.
VITO
WOULD YOU KNOW IF MY 53' MAFAIR IS A 2677 OR 2631 MODEL?
"OLD PRICE GUIDE" LISTS 53 MAYFAIR AS 2631.
FIREWALL HAS A PREFIX # 2677 ??
ANYONE KNOW LBS RATING FOR RADIATOR CAP?

HELLO,
THANK YOU FOR INVITING TO THE REGISTRY.
I'LL REGISTER AFTER I LEARN HOW TO DOWNLOAD THE PICTURE.
THANK YOU VITO1950