DIY Network

1938 Packard: Cooling-System Test From "Classic Car Restoration" episode DCR-402

The Packard ran hot upon initial test drive. The cooling-system refurbishment undertaken in this episode solved that problem.

In this episode of Classic Car Restoration, host Mark Lambert assesses and refurbishes the cooling system on a 1938 Packard. In this segment, after flushing the system and replacing some worn out parts, Mark finishes up the cooling-system restoration. He reassembles the cooling system and tests the flow using a temporary spare-radiator.

Materials used in this episode:

Standard automotive tools (socket-wrenches, screwdrivers, nut-drivers, etc.)
Replacement thermostat
Replacement heater valve
Replacement hoses
Gasket scraper
Thermostat-housing gasket
Compression tester
Laser thermometer
Radiator-flush kit and hoses
Garden hose
Catch-basin
Eye protection
Protective gloves

Following is a summary of the major steps in the radiator test as shown in the episode.

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	Figure B
	Figure A

Note: This is a summary of steps included in the automotive restoration procedures shown in this episode of Classic Car Restoration. These are general guidelines for restoration procedures on this particular make and model of vehicle, and for the level of restoration selected for this project. There may be variations in procedures depending model, condition of vehicle, level of restoration undertaken and the types of replacement parts or upgrade kits selected. Always follow proper safety precautions, and read and follow manufacturer's guidelines, diagrams and safety notices that come with any replacement parts or kit that you select.

• Remove the old drain hose that was used for back-flushing.

• Re-tension the water-pump belt. To do this, pull the water pump away from the engine until the belt tension (figure A) results in about a half-inch of deflection under gentle pressure. It's preferable to have this belt slightly loose than too tight.

• Re-attach the top radiator hose and secure it with a clamp (figure B).
  

  
  

• Simply for testing the system, until the refurbished radiator gets back from the shop, Mark installed a spare Packard radiator core (figure C) which fits Packard models from years 1935 to 1955.

• Stabilize the radiator at the top hose and hook up the lower hose (figure D), then tighten the clamps on both.

  Figure D

  Figure C

  
  

  
  

• Further stabilize the radiator by installing the support rods (figure E) and set the radiator for the proper clearance behind the fan (with about a half-inch clearance).

• Secure the radiator on its main bolt underneath (figure F).

  Figure E

  Figure F

  
  

  Figure G

  
  

• Reinstall the sparkplugs and connect them.

• Refill the radiator and motor block with water.

• Secure the radiator cap and start the engine. Check for leaks, then take temperature readings.

• We used a laser thermometer to check the temperature readings on the radiator and cooling system with the motor running. As the engine came up to temperature, the reading at the top of the radiator and at the rear of the engine head started at about 105 degrees (figure G). As the engine temperature rose and the water circulated through system, the dash gauge (measuring the rear head temperature) reached 160 while the radiator was at 180, indicating that the system was circulating properly to disperse the heat.
  

  
  

RESOURCES :


Resources and Special Thanks for Classic Car Restoration 400 series


The Packard Club
Columbus, Ohio
(National & regional clubs, car shows & judging, magazine, resources, etc.)
The Cormorant magazine
The Packard Club
www.packardclub.org

Packards International Motor Car Club
(National owner's club, judging rules, magazine, newsletter and other resources)
Santa Ana, CA
Packardsinternational.com

Packards of Chicagoland
(Regional affiliate of The Packard Club)
Elmhurst, IL
Packards of Chicagoland

America's Packard Museum
Dayton, Ohio
www.americaspackardmuseum.org

The National Packard Museum
Warren, OH (the birthplace of the Packard)
www.warren.org

The Packard Motor Car Foundation
(Foundation for preserving the Packard marque) Restoring the Packard Proving Grounds and other Packard activities.
www.packardmotorfdn.org

Motorbooks International
www.motorbooks.com

Automobile Inspections LLC
(Nationwide automobile appraisal & inspection services, including classic cars)
Hartford, CT
www.automobileinspections.com

Classic Auto Appraisals (Evaluation of Classics, Street Rods, Antiques, Competition Cars, Exotics, Commercial Vehicles and Hand Crafted Vehicles).
www.autoappraisals.com

GUESTS :

Keller Wallace
Keller Wallace Street Rods
Volunteer Street Rod Association
Knoxville, TN