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

1/4 inch of fuel in the carb bowl is a positive sign of fuel starvation. Fuel levels varied quite a bit by carb and application, but generally it should be within 1/2 inch of the top flange. Also a bit confused by the comment that these cars came with the pump in the tank - I don't believe that is true, sounds like someone's "improvement", which generally are not improvements.

Would this apply also to a 37 straight 8, regarding the coil?
thx

Very much so. Older coils and condensers have been frequent causes of intermittent problems as well as the feed wire inside the armored cable if you have one of those. Usually the symptom is it runs fine for a few minutes until coil heats up and then either quits completely or starts missing. When left to sit and then tried again, all is well for awhile and then problem repeats.

Another aggravating "intermittent" issue is ceramic fuel filters if you have one of those. They can plug with varnish yet appear clean to view. You can blow air thru them thinking they are clean but are still plugged enough to restrict adequate gas flow to carburetor. Car will idle OK and may do low speed but anything requiring more gas flow and engine is starved.

Sounds like I need to get these parts sir, who do you recommend I get these and other parts at? Thanks much for your time.
Lee

Also, what oil weight and other oil type for oil change and air filter change? This car has been sitting for 6 years and is in excellant condition. I wonder what else I need to change to avoid a breakdown on a 20 mile trip?

Thanks again Ambassador!

Flackmaster and others who specialize in those cars will probably be the best source of information on your questions. Flackmaster also has parts and of course, the regular Packard vendors Kanter Autokanter.com/packard/ and Max Merrittmaxmerrittauto.com/ along with packards1 (Patrician Industries) and Tucson Packards are excellent resources.

Thanks Much Howard.

G'day Lee,
to PackardInfo. I invite you to include your '37 Packard in the Packard Owners Registry.

Lee- I also own a '37 (115c), and I've found that my local Napa carries most of the tune-up parts, and even has them in stock! Part numbers are in the Packard Parts X-Ref tab, or your local NAPA might have it in their classic book- mine did.

Good luck!