Packard Forum Index » V-8 (1955-56)

Gang,

This is my first post. I just bought the 56 Executive known as the Bumblebee from my friend Joe Mazzuchelli in New Hampshire. I got the car on Saturday, and it settled in great. I did the usual post-ship checks for oil, transmission fluid, spark, light, fuses, etc., and the car also started on the button every time, without hesitation.
Yesterday, after a 1/2 hour cruise, I went to an auto parts store to get a fan belt, some transmission fluid, and backup fuses. When I came out, the Packard would turn over, but wouldn't start. A burst of starter fluid would make it run, but as soon as it was gone, the car would die.

I checked the fuel bowl- it is only 1/4 or so full. Also, when I went back to my garage on Sunday after the car broke down, I found an oil/gas mix spot on the drive similar to what you would get in a 2-cycle lawnmower, presumably from under the Packard. Also, when the tow man came and put the car on a flatbed hauler, gasoline ran out from under the front of the car.

My great mechanic Oral Fipps will get to the car mid-week, but I was wondering if anyone had any educated guesses based on the aforementioned issues. Joe put on a new NAPA fuel pump not too long ago. So, bad pump off the shelf, or other blockage in the line? Is what I described (oil/gas mix and gas leak from under car) a fuel pump failure issue?)

Just a guess. Since the fuel pump is open to the crankcase, a ruptured pump diaphram could cause both gas and a bit of oil to run out.

If the pump was old stock and not a fresh one rebuilt for use with gas with ethanol and that's the gas you're using, I wouldn't expect it to last very long. And if it was on the shelf for a couple of years - even less. Since it apparently was a "new" pump, the mechanicals are no doubt pristine. I'd send it to Gould Rebuilders for a rebuild compatible with todays gasoline.

I tour a bit with my 56 and always carry a spare pump.

PS - another possibility, the rubber gas suction line that connects the pump inlet to the steel line on the frame failed; when that happens gasoline leakage readily occurs if the tank level is higher than the rupture. And then as the gasoline runs down the crossmember it may have picked up some accumulated oil with it. New lines compatible with today's fuel are available from one of the PAC regions, and most good auto parts stores may carry or can make one up.

PPS - if you find it was the pump diaphram that failed, I'd do an oil change before running the engine again. Good chance the oil got diluted with gasoline.

Owen,

You were quite right on the latter problem. The rubber hose underneath the pump was loose, causing a leak and preventing a build up of any decent boost. On to the next problem....

Thanks again for your help.

Quote:G'day John,
to PackardInfo. I see you've already solved your first problem with help from one of our members and from your other thread some more problems are now to hand, good luck with those.

And I invite you to include your '56 Executive in the Packard Owner's Registry here, over 800 Packards and counting!