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

Hello all,

I'm going through the cooling system on my 53 300 (327 4bbl), and I'm trying to replace the radiator cap.

The factory service manual states that the 2631 chassis series came with a 12 lb cap.

I noticed that the Super Clipper (327 2bbl), and the regular Clipper (288 2bbl) both came with a 6 lb cap.

It looks as though all the 327 4bbl cars got the 12 lb cap.

I noticed on Max Merritt's site, that one cap is listed for all 53-54 cars.

Obviously, this is a little confusing.

What cap do you guys suggest I run? Or, does it not really matter?

Thank you,

-Chris

The information in the service manuals were often superceeded by later information. You should always look in the Factory Service Index here on the website. By 1954 all the rad caps were 12lbs. Here is a note about the change for prior years.

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Thanks for clearing that up BigKev! Also, thank you for telling me about the Factory Service Index. I'll definitely check that out from now on.

I have one more question. On the Parts Cross-Reference, I keep seeing 7 & 13 lb caps. Are 6 & 12 lb caps no longer available?

With all the 13's listed, I'm assuming that's what I should go with correct?

-Chris

13lb will be fine. It just important to get the right one that is deep enough, otherwise it will be a 0lb cap!

This might help.

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Haha. That wouldn't be good!

So I picked one up today. I ended up going with a 13 lb that you posted in the Parts Cross-Reference area.

It's a Balkamp BK 7031697 from NAPA, which is the same as a Stant 10229 that can be purchased at O'Reillys, or most part houses.

It fits perfectly in my stock radiator.

Thanks again BigKev!

-Chris

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Thanks Fish'n Jim!

-Chris