40and53Packard

<span style="font-weight: bold">I haven't been driving my '53 because it keeps overheating and spewing coolant out of the overflow tube every time I drive somewhere. I fill it back up with a coolant mixture and the same thing happens. Not being a mechanic, its challenging for me to diagnose. I'm guessing that maybe its a thermostat issue... but I don't know how to check or where to find a replacement if needed. So it's been sitting dormant for months now, and now the battery is dead and I can't afford to take it to a repair shop... so I'm really frustrated. Anyone have any advice and/or live somewhere near the Phoenix area that could come by and take a look?</span>

Attached is photo just taken today of a section of my engine. If you look closely, you'll see a circled circular-shaped part of the engine. Well... not being a mechanic, I'm trying to figure out what this is exactly [a fuel pump? a flux capacitor <img src="http://forums.aaca.org/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />]because it is now leaking what appears to be engine oil and rattling around when the engine is running. I don't have a manual about the engine so I'm at a loss of how I can even begin to remedy this situation without knowing exactly what I'm dealing with. Any insights and suggestions would be greatly appreciated!

That's a really awesome find! I'd frame it and put it right in the garage with my Packard! JT

For some reason the 1st reply was deleted...? nevertheless, in response to it.... Would an Overdrive unit be readily avaible? Do you know who would manufactures one of these if I went searching for one? I finally just found and ordered my master cylinder on ebay Friday. As far as the condition of the original transmission, I'm not really sure. I'm hoping to get some additional guidance, diagnostics, and recommendations from some members of my local Packard club once I have it roadworthy again. Meanwhile, I attempting to tap into the wealth of knowledge, experience and helpful ideas from the many experts and enthusiast members here. This way I can discussion with them any ideas or insights provided.

I was wondering how pratical and/or possible would it be to switch the original automatic transmission to a more late model version? The reason is... I'm fueling a straight-eight engine, yet I can't even travel even close to highway speeds without the engine sounding like its going to shatter glass with its high pitch whine! If this is practical, what would be my best options? How difficult and expensive would this process be? I am not a mechanic, but I may be able to convince (bribe) some friends to help me. I'm currently in the process of replacing the master cylinder so that I can actually stop this vehicle once again... so naturally my next goal is to have it go... hopefully faster than before. Any constructive ideas or suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Note: Everything else on the vehicle is basically original