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

Did all 51' 288's have the heat deflector under the carb? If so
having one might help manage my underhood temps around the carb.
I'm in the market for one....don't want to make my own....If you have one for sale please PM me. Also posted in the "for sale,trade,wanted" forum.

Thanks
Steve

Speaking of deflecting heat from the carburetor, this reminds me of something I saw years ago. In the mid-1970s I looked at a, then new, Datsun B210. Under the hood near the carburetor was a small fan to blow air around the carburetor. I asked and the salesperson what it was and he said it was to help cool the carb. Maybe a small fan could be rigged to help cool the carburetor on our Packards? This might be something to consider fitting to help stave off vapor locking. Just a thought...

(o{}o)

That is something I have wondered, is vapor lock a bigger problem with these cars, now that the gas has alcohol in it?? I see they are talking of raising the amount of alcohol in the coming years from 10% on up to 15%... maybe higher.

Thanks John

Hi Steve, my '52 with a 327 doesn't have any heat shields around the carb, other than the one for the fuel pump. I looked recently at a potential parts car '51 but I didn't see any shields there either, although I wasn't specifically looking for that.

Unless you live in a brutally hot climate or at high altitude (or both), you really should have no problems with vapor lock even with E10 gasoline if the engine is in good tune and the cooling system is functioning as designed. Making a heat shield for the carburetor might help but shouldn't be needed, though the fuel pump heat shield is important. Also important (where specified) are the insulating blocks beneath the carburetor, between the fuel pump and block, and the bolt-insulating sleeves on the fuel pump mounting.

UPDATE: here's a couple of photos of a carburetor heat shield on a 356 engine - perhaps these will help you design and fabricate something - it's pretty simple and should be duck soup to make. There are two small right-angle brackets welded to the shield which mount under the two inboard carburetor retaining studs. I don't recall the source of the photos, but my thanks to the original photographer.

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You can find additional info here.

My 51 200 did not come with a heat shield under the carb, but I used one from a 51 Hudson that does seem to help. I can send photos if you like.

Splendid Dave, Thank you for the offer....yes, please post a pix or two.
Regards
Steve....