Packard Forum Index » Post-War (1946-54)

My 1950 Packard has started without a problem for the past 8 months. A few days ago I went out to start it and it just wouldn't fire. Could the points be stuck? Where do I start looking for the problem? I would like to try to correct the problem myself. Any ideas appreciated. Thanks, JD

I'd start with a determination of whether the problem is fuel or ignition. If you hold the choke valve open and stroke the throttle linkage and do not see two streams of gasoline shooting into the venturi, it may be fuel. If that's OK, remove a spark plug wire from a plug and place it within 1/8 inch of the engine block and crank the starter; if no spark, it's probably ignition.

If it's ignition, when's the last time you changed the points and condenser?