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In this Discussion
- 51packard October 2008
- Oldcar_Mechanic October 2008
1951 Packard Won't Start
-
Hi,
I'm new to this forum and was wondering if I could get some help. I have a 1951 Packard 200 that has been running fine. All of a sudden it will not start. The motor turns over, but will not fire. I checked and it does not look like I am getting spark. I have replaced the battery cables, distributor cap and rotor and the ignition coil. Still no spark. I have used my circuit testor and it lights up on the negative side of the coil with the ignition key on. When I crank the engine and put the testor on the positive side of the coil, it lights up. I tried to put the probe between the ignition wire to the distributor and the coil and I do not see it light up.
Can you think of any other tests or things I should try to replace? Could the new coil be bad out of the box? I do not have a lot of sophisticated electrical testing equipment. BTW the car has the original 6v positive ground setup.
Any help would be greatly appreciated! -
Power flows from the ignition switch to the coil. With the key in the on position you should see a light with your test light and also while the engine is cranking at that wire. When you put the test light on the small wire from the coil to the distributor you should see the light flash while the engine is being cranked. If all that is good, hold the coil wire coming from the coil tower, near a good ground and you should see a spark while the engine cranks. If you do not get the flashing light while on the wire from the coil to the distributor you wil need to inspect the points. You could remove the distributor cap and have someone crank the engine to see if the points are opening and closing. Also that when they do they should be sparking also.
Ron -
Thank you for your reply. My test light lights steady on the power side of the coil. I also get a light when the engine is cranked on the other side of the coil, where it connects to the distributor. I cannot remember if it flashes or if the light just intensifies. I will try tonight and get a better reading.
I did not think to move the ignition wire from the coil near a ground to look for spark. I will also try that. I did put my test light between the coil tower and the ignition wire and the light did not light up.
I'll also take the distributor cap off and look at the points for movement.
I'll post an update with my next set of tests.
Thanks for your help! -
Well, it looks like I actually have spark now... First I checked the lead from the coil to the distributor and my test light flashed while I was cranking the engine (great tip!). Then I put the ignition wire from the coil tower close to the ground connection on the engine and it sparked. I waited until it was really dark out and I took out the first spark plug and held it to the engine block while cranking and I saw a faint spark. I will replace the ignition wires next (that is really the only other thing I haven't replaced yet). Hopefully the spark will be stronger and the car will run again.
If that doesn't work, are there any tricks to know if gas is getting into the engine? I disconnected the fuel line and ran a fuel hose from a gas can to the fuel pump. I then put a clear fuel filter between the pump and carb. I see the filter fill up with gas when I crank the engine so I know it is getting to the carb. Nothing over flows or leaks out so I assume it is getting to the engine. Spraying starting fluid in the carb or in the spark plug holes did not get the car to start, or even sound like it was going to start. -
If your spark is to weak, you may want to clean the points and check to make sure the gap is correct.
Look down the throat of the carb, hold the choke full open and operate the throttle. You should see a squirt of gas.
Good job with sorting out your problems so far. Keep it up and you will soon have the car running like a Oldsmobile (LOL).
Ron -
Thanks for your help Ron. I really appreciated all of your help. The car is finally running! Now of course, the idle is too high and it won't move when I put it in gear, but those are other problems for other posts! I'm just glad it starts so there is one less thing to worry about. I think my next project will be to rebuild the carb.
Thanks again! -
You're welcome.
I'm glad you got some of the things sorted out. One of the things about old cars........... it seems like you're never done working on them.
Ron
