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

Sounds like you have a Viton-tipped needle and they are problematic with 10% EtOH fuel so as you suggest, I'd replace it with a steel needle/brass seat (the most commonly found arrangement). Needle/seat sets are not usually sold individually, only as part of a rebuild kit. Best kits I know of are from Daytona Parts in FL.

3.5 psi fuel pressure sounds just fine, but why would you ever run the electric pump in tandem with the mechanical? In a mechanical pump the pressure is created by the spring that provides the upwards force onthe diaphragm - perhaps you should check your fuel pressure more thoroughly.

Someone more familiar with your carb should comment on setting the float level; sometimes you set it dry, inverted with a measured gap between two surfaces, and in other carbs you actually measure the fuel level. Best to re-read your instructions to be sure you got the right measurement.

Just a note- I recently had my carb (EE16) rebuilt by Daytona Parts and they didn't use a steel needle but rather a flat plunger tipped with some kind of plastic.

Dear Dan:

To determine the vacuum leak question just disconnect and plug the manifold side of the pump. Leave it that way until you solve the problem.

I assume the full throttle acceleration is good. But ignition problems can be examined with a spark tester (available form NAPA). You should have at least 20Kv at idle. Connect the unit to ground and not to the spark plug.

Now if too much fuel is the problem then manually opening the choke when cold should make the car run better, but it should also be belching black smoke.

If your idle air bleeds are clogged then spray choke cleaner into the carburetor, race the motor and momentarily put your hand over the carburetor. The suction will help clear the bleeds.

You say your motor vacuum is good so I would also check out the electrical on the primary side of the ignition. The amored cable likes to short out, but this whould be revealed in a full throttle acceleration. Ditto a shorted breaker plate.

Finally, don't discount a fuel problem. Packards burn a lot of gas so it's possible you bought some bad gas.

Hope this helps