Re: 1940 Packard 1801 won't start

Posted by fredkanter On 2017/1/5 16:48:49

When was the last driven, yesterday or 15 years ago? I doubt that whatever caused the low compression happened overnight, long term storage can result in stuck valves which sound like what you have.

I've used starting fluid for 50+ years on everything from lawn mowers to trucks and never damaged anything. If some carbon broke loose I doubt it would affect all 8 cylinders.

To see if the valves are sticking, remove one valve cover, crank the engine and see how they are actuating.

Of course it always could be the Treadle Vac (joke)