Packard Forum Index » V-8 (1955-56)

Hello,


I have to mention, that I only make short trips with the Packard. But I have already 'emptied' a few fuel tanks right now. The result I can see is that the car is quite thirsty, a consumption of 28 litres at 100 kilometres isn't economy drive... .

The equivalent from metric to US will be approx. 8.45 mpg

Is that an acceptable value for this car?

Xavier

That seems maybe a bit low unless all stop and go stop light to stop light type driving. There was a discussion awhile back with some averages.https://packardinfo.com/xoops/html/modules/newbb/viewtopic.php?post_id=32593#forumpost32593

My 56 400 gets between 15.0 and 16.8 on a trip. Short jaunts definitely hurt the mileage - below 12 mpg.

Quote:

Definitely something wrong with your state of tune. As Randy said, somewhere between 12-16mpg is "right." That's what I get with my 55 Pat.

Check timing and compression. If OK, check for a stuck power valve in the carb -- that will kill mileage if stuck rich.

Craig

Check the vacuum advance on the distributor.

I agree about checking the vacuum advance as well as the power valve. A general tune up and carb adjustment never hurts.

Hi,

Thanks for the replies, confirming that the Clipper is to thirsty... .

First of all, I try to make some bigger trips with some alternating way of driving, away from the city, and let the boat sailing at intercity or open roads. After that I'll count again, is it still high then we'll review the carb and co.

I must add the fact that the car since september last year has run less than 100 miles... .

At the other side, when it need some more fuel, it's not a disaster with these low mileages I've driven.

By the way, the fuel cost here in Belgium is ? 1.29 / Litre 95 RON ( = regular in USA ). ( approx $ 6.50 per gallon )

The 98 RON ( Supreme ) will be $ 7.00/Gallon

Diesel is $ 5.30/Gallon

Grtz,

Xavier

@ Guscha: Oh My God !!

The prices i quoted are the prices here at the local pump in my town, the prices at highway service stations are also a bit higher but absolutely lower than yours... .

Xavier

No wonder diesel cars are so common over there. It's odd that diesel fuel is so high in the US given that it's much less refined, no reason for it to be, other than taxation... wish more 4 cyl turbodiesels were available here, like in our XTerra, instead of it's big thirsty V6, we loved a diesel Peugeot wagon that we had back in the 80s.

Xavier - so your Clipper is Twin Ultra? wonder what mpg one should expect with 3 spd overdrive? Anyone have that combo on a 352?

EZ e-ignition conversion:

https://packardinfo.com/xoops/html/modules/newbb/viewtopic.php?topic_id=3290&forum=12&post_id=40445#forumpost40445

SEE P2. Might help gas mileage alot. Haven't tried it yet myself.