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

Hi All,

I haven't been here for a while, owing to computer problems and some other stuff, including some serious Packard-hunting.

I know this doesn't exactly match my avatar, but it looked pretty good to me.

1954 Packard Clipper, 3-speed overdrive w 327 straight eight.

Drives nice. Need to know what psi radiator cap should be, though.

Thanks,

'54? PackardGuy

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nice find! congrats.

not sure if 54/55 are the same, but the 55 is 12psi via service manual.

Looks good. 54 also used the 12psi cap but is the long reach style.

Thanks HH & Henry,

What is the "Long Reach Style" cap? I think I can picture it, but is it a parts store available kiind of thing? I have a feeling this car has the wrong cap. Not only is it not origiinal but its an off-the shelf generic 10 psi piece-o-crap. The car keeps losing coolant through the overflow, even when you're driving. Then it pukes more when you stop.

I know the next thing to check after the cap, I think. It'd be the thermostat, correct?

Listed in the X-ref. :)

The ones in the X-Ref are for a 7lb cap, but in '54 the 12lb cap was used. (source 1954 Fact Book)

BUt the parts book lists both a 7lb and 13lb cap.

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Looks like the AC Delco RC-6 is the correct 13# cap to use for 51-54 models that used a 13# cap.

amazon.com/ACDelco-RC6-Radiator-Cap/dp/B000C9TZOQ

Also that crosses to Napa BK 7031697, which is the same cap for the 55-56 models.

Quote:

Reach refers to the distance between the liquid top seal and the pressure bottom seal which goes inside the neck. Long reach in our case is 1" thru 54. I believe Napa's information is wrong and they do not use the same cap in 55-6 -- unless theirs is a special long reach cap and the spring can compress and allow the lower seal to move enough to accommodate the shorter 55-6 neck. The long reach in the photo cannot.

Here's an illustration with apologies for the washed out ruler. Top cap is off the 56 and is standard 3/4". Bottom cap is the long reach and is 1"

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G'day Guy,

Congratulations on the '54 Clipper. 'Cause you know what I'm going to ask don't you? Yes, it's please include it in the Packard Owner's Registry.