Packard Forum Index » Pre-War (1899-1942)

Beginner question for you experts!

Where the radiator hose comes into the top of the block is that the thermostat? I have a leak there and need to buy a new gasket.

Thanks!!

Bill, I believe you are referring to a housing that is fastened to the front top of the cylinder head with two cap screws, and where the top radiator hose connects this to the radiator top tank. If your '36 One-Twenty is like my '37 Six, then this is the thermostat housing. You can easily make a gasket using the bottom of the housing as a pattern, or get one from one of the many Packard parts suppliers. While you are replacing this gasket it would be a good time to make sure the thermostat is the correct rating, is functioning, and is fastened into the housing with a retainer. Keep in mind that this Packard has a non-pressurized cooling system. You should not have a pressure radiator cap unless the system has been modified. Good luck, and let us know how this job goes.

(o{I}o)

Agreed, thats a pretty basic gasket to make. It's just a paper/fiber gasket that you put a thin coat of gasket sealer on. You could also make one out of cork sheet.

You may even have luck taking the housing down to your local auto parts store, and they may have a gasket that they can match to the housing if you dont want to make one yourself.

There is a guy on eBay who lists a packet of 3 or 4 of them for about $10.

Also inspect your housing as I know the postwar ones were made of stamped sheet metal and could rust out. The one on my '54 did that, and I ended up buying a solid bronze replacement from one of the PI Chapters. Much sturdier.

If you want to be old fashioned cut a gasket out of a cereal box. Lay the cardboard on the head and tap tap tap around with a small ball peen hammer.

For the Rockefellers in the crowd you can buy gasket paper at any parts store. Mark the gasket and cut out with scissors or an Exacto knife. Use a notebook paper punch to cut the bolt holes.

It's best to cut out the center and the bolt holes first then cut around the outside. The material is easier to handle that way.

Nah, the Rockefellas go to Max Merrit

Thanks for the tips fellas!! As soon as I get some free time this will get done...

Is the area around the water pump prone to leaks? I think I have a leak there also but I am not quite sure where the coolant is coming from...