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

Recently checked my gas millage and determined that I am getting about 11 MPG. What should you expect on the 288 engine. I checked out the TSB 48t-2 and determined my gaskets are installed correctly although there was some swelling on the uppers base gasket. I rebuilt the carburetor
a Carter 645s. Car runs great though when it's hot and I restart it I have to pump the accelerator to start. Other times it fires right up very little cranking. Thanks in advance for your advice!

I recall reading somewhere that a MobilGas Economy Run in 1951 had a Packard touring sedan running an average of 20. something miles per gallon. The only thing is it didn't state which sedan. Chances are though, it was a '200' sedan with the 288 cid engine and manual transmission. So that may be close to your car.

I average 16-18 mpg with our 1949 Deluxe 8 with overdrive.

Most 288s seem to be able to turn in 16-18 mpg---but not in city driving. I suggest a careful timing check with the vac advance line disconnected and the engine idling slow. Set it to about 7 degrees. If the timing is a little retarded on these flatheads, they lose a lot of power and economy. Oh, and do make sure your vac advance works! Good luck.

Telephone Man,

Not a 288, but my 282 in a 41 gets 15-17 mph on hwy (@50-60mph)with OD. In town is more like 12-14mph.

It's an un-overhauled engine with about 120,000 miles on it. Hope that gives more info.

DanL

Telephone Man,

BTW, didn't see your 1948 on the Owner Registry.
You would be #504 if you add it. Hope to see your machine on board.

DanL

Quote:
Dan,

The '48 actually is in the Registry but it's owner is shown as "ralwes" which was Richard's Forum name before he changed it to Telephone Man. There is some discussion about this in another thread but I'm not going to chase that up. Instead here's a link to Richard's Registry entry:
https://packardinfo.com/xoops/html/modules/registry/View.php?ID=451

If it helps any, I get an average of 9 city mpg with my 288. Part of this is influenced by the 7 stops I must make on my way to the post office. If I use it for my normal commute, then 10-11 is normal. That's really not bad when you consider some alternatives.
59 Edsel with 292 v8= 14 mpg city
62 Buick fullsize with 401 v8= 9 mpg city
73 Buick fullsize with 350 v8= 12-13 mpg city
75 Thunderbird with 460 v8= 6 mpg city (but all 6 are good!)
78 LTD with 351m v8=16 city mpg
77 Caddy with 425 v8=17 city mpg

Telephone Man

There is a 23rd series ad proclaiming the fuel economy of junior cars. It is an owner survey and seems to be accurate.

My mileage falls in with what other people say. I actually got 20 mph on a club tour up 9W in New York. We were caravanning pretty tightly and kept the speed no higher than 50. It was going over Bear Mountain though, which is pretty impressive


I see your'e from Carmel. I went to high school at North Central. No hard feelings!


Regards


John Harley

FWIW, I'm getting 17-18 mpg with my '49, 288 engine with R-11 overdrive.

I love driving it too, I should mention.