Packard Forum Index » V-8 (1955-56)

I took the carburetor off my 56 400 and noticed this screen under the carburetor gasket. Is this original, or has this been added? The engine runs fine with it, but not really sure what the purpose is?

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I never worked on my 1956’s carburetor but I am absolutely sure that Packard never put a screen under it!

It looks like a home-made knockoff of an aftermarket scam gadget called a "Hydroboost" which was claimed to increase your gasoline mileage by some phenomenal percentage. Of course like all such gadgets it did pretty much nothing.

IIRC Hydroboost claimed their screen was platinum or some other precious metal.

Seeing the edges of this piece of screen protruding around the outside of the gasket makes me wonder how much vacuum leakage there was so once removed and the gasket replaced, some adjusting should be in order.

It would also likely prevent the throttle plates from opening all the way.
Looks like all the great mechanics worked on that one!

Also a great way to send little chunks of metal into your valves and piston rings. Free honing job I suppose .