Ok, so I have a 1951 300 with a starting issue that I cannot seem to figure out. This car has always started without any issues as long as I have had it (over 15 yrs). She does not get started much as it had a fuel pump leak. I recently rebuilt the pump and it started better than it has as long as I have owned it. The last time I started it, she started without hesitation, I pulled her out of the garage, started down the driveway in gear and she stalled. I put the car in neutral to start it and nothing, car will not crank or anything. It does not make any noise when I push the pedal down, I feel like there used to be a clicking noise when I pushed down the pedal to start before, however now there is no clicking. I have tapped on the starter and the solenoid as some have suggested. I have checked the wiring at the key switch behind the dash. I have checked everything but there is no mechanical movement any more when I push the pedal to start it. I am at a loss.... I don't know if I should pull the starter and solenoid, if there is a problem with the ultramatic safety switch, If there is an issue at the carb... not even sure where to start on this one. Worst part is, I'm moving in a few weeks and need to get this thing on a trailer to move it... any help or suggestions would be so greatly appreciated!!! Thanks in advance.

Here is a question that I have not seen asked on any posts yet but I am hoping that somebody will have an answer to this one. I would like to COMPLETELY drain the coolant system on my 1951 "300". I have referred to the 1951 Owners Manual and the directions that it gives are to "...first remove the radiator cap and then open the radiator drain cock behind the front bumper near the center of the car and remove the drain plug from the cylinder block near the starter." Herein lies the question... can anybody provide a picture of what this "drain plug in the cylinder block" looks like, as well as a good description of exactly where it is located? I looked all around the starter and found a couple of bolts in the block. I am not comfortable just pulling screws out of the engine block without knowing first what they are installed for (I am a novice after all that is why I am here seeking your knowledgable advice). Any feedback would be greatly appreciated.

1940110, Welcome aboard!! Like you I am younger, 29 and out of school a few years. My grandparents (wifes side) gave me my Packard as well and I actually just got the thing running in the last couple of weeks. If it were not for the information and the knowledge of the people on this site I would have never gotten her running. I have bought all needed parts through Stuart at Kanter and they (as previously mentioned) were extremely helpful as well. Good luck with your Packard and new job too.

Thanks again Owen, that is exactly the answer that I was looking for!!

So here is another question on fluids. I have read the previous threads on this issue but I am still a little fuzzy on this one. Gas...... (grade, and lead or no lead). What was specifically called for in 1951 for the "300"?? I have been told that only leaded gas was available back then, is this true? To get the thing started I dumped 5 gallons of regular unleded (87 octane) in it (no lead additive) and it is running like a dream, now granted the car has only run for about two to three hours (and at idle at that) since I got it running. But I guess the reason that I am asking this question is that I am trying to look forward to the long term on engine wear. I am trying to baby this engine as long as I can so I will not have to rebuild it due to premature wear that could have been easily avoided.

Thanks for the quick reply Owen, one last question though. I have no way of knowing what type of brake fluid would have been used in this vehicle. Is there any way to determine what is actually in the master cylinder (dot 3 vs. dot 4) or is just a shot in the dark. My wifes grandfather who I got the car from has since passed and there is nobody left to ask any history on the veh or the veh maintenance.

Gentleman (and ladies too) of all knowing Packard Land,
This is my first topic on the website, and only my second time posting so go easy on me if this has been written before. :) I have just got my 51' "300" going for the first time in almost 20yrs. I would now like to change ALL fluids on this vehicle but I am not able to locate a single go to chart that will tell me what the best modern day fluids would be for my application. What I am looking for is.....
1) Oil type
2) Brake fluid type
3) Coolant type (straight or 50/50 mix)
4) Transmission fluid type

Let me know if I am missing anything and thanks all in advance for your extensive knowledge. This website has taken me from "0" Packard knowledge to having a pretty good idea of what I am doing now.

I just got my 51' "300" running last weekend for the first time in 20yrs (I was told that the last time it was running was late 80's, it's been in a pole barn in Monroe, MI under a cover ever since). All it needed was a new ignition coil and an electrical tune up kit, but when she fired boy was there a lot of continuous white smoke as well coming from the so called "breather hole". I let her run for about 45min at idle, I did not goose her at all but suprisingly the smoke did go away as previously stated. I have since started it a few times just to let her run and get broken back in but now with out the smoke!! In other words great advice!!! This website has get to be the single greatest point for useful information on Packards!!