Re: 1940 Packard 1801 won't start

Posted by Joe Santana On 2017/1/6 19:32:37

Considering all comments, I think it's a timing issue.

Was the starter removed when the solenoid was replaced? If so, was the distributor pulled to provide a little more room to remove the starter? If the distributor doesn't go back in exactly as it came out, you're inviting timing problems. I have a vague recollection that the distributor gear engages with the oil pump gear inside the engine or something like that. That can be 180 degrees off and the car will backfire before it will start.

You said you had spark, so this probably isn't your problem, but . .. Do you have overdrive? If the overdrive contacts are stuck, it can cut out the distributor. (Which it needs to do when you shift into overdrive)
Temporarily remove the wire from the overdrive relay to the low voltage pole of the distributor and try to start the car. If the car starts, shut it off. Open the relay and unstick the contacts.

I agree with seeing if the rotor is turning and checking valve movement. But this sounds very much like a timing thing, if you have spark and fuel. These engines don't need all their cylinders to start and run.