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

Given good, clean gasoline, the ceramic stone filter element should not require frequent cleaning, I clean mine with tuneups (every 5 to 10 thousand miles). When clean they are very non-restrictive. If they get coated with "gum", the problem is almost certainly old gasoline. The topic of how to clean the ceramic elements has been discussed before, they may be cleaned with solvent and blown gently with compressed air in REVERSE direction of the fuel flow to disloge debris from the ceramic matrix. Otherwise you're just blowing the debris further into the matrix and further reducing flow rate. Ultrasonic cleaning is probably the most elaborate and best cleaning method.

In my experience the major issue with them is that if you must service one while on the road, chances are that when you remove the bowl, you'll find the rubber gasket unsuitable for reuse as they get very brittle and often break when removing the bowl. Carrying a spare gasket (and ceramic) in the glove box is advised.

I'm thinking that maybe we have crap gasoline here. I had to clean my element about every 50-70 miles or else I was stuck on the side of the road. I even purchased a new filter, same thing. Like I stated earlier, I'll get the dimensions and take one of you guys up on your offer, just to have a complete set on hand. Thanks everyone!

Scott

I put a filter back by the gas tank that is cleanable, to catch any crap well before it gets to the fuel pump. Most of the time the crap in the gas tank ends up blocking the filter screen in the bottom of the fuel pump.

Hopefully my ceramic glass bowl filter near the carb should stay clean for a long time.

Yep, I put an inline filter between the fuel tank and my fuel pump too. I change it out every couple of months or so. The filters only cost between $3-$4 bucks apiece anyway, its cheap peace of mind.

There were a reasonable number of the Carter glass fuel bowls at Macungie yesterday, range from $5 to $10 each. Unfortunately I came up one shy of the # I needed, so no extras at this time from me.

Thanks anyway, Owen. I always appreciate your help!

Scott