Re: 1940 Packard 1801 won't start

Posted by Marty or Marston On 2017/1/9 16:27:16

I don't recall seeing any information that points to either a new timing chain or the chain being inspected during the rebuild process. Looking through all of the posts it would seem it might be best to start off with some solid, reliable facts in order to diagnose the issue.

I think if all is well with the chain and timing and you put #1 piston at the top, the following should occur:

1) The rotor should point at the distributor post for either cylinder 1 or 8 (If the rotor points to number 1 cylinder, then both valves should be closed otherwise).

2) The timing marks should be close to aligning with each other within 6-8 degrees

If the above doesn't happen then the problem could lie with the timing chain or an issue with the distributor being out of sync with possibly a broken tooth or shaft. Since it is easier to pull the distributor and check I'd look at it first. Next would be to check the timing chain.

On the matter of the compression readings being at zero, I would examine the gauge and the rubber on the gauge and even try a different gauge. When performing a compression in addition to what has been mentioned above (open throttle and providing readings for all cylinders) I would perform the test with both dry & wet cylinders (wet = squirting a small amount of oil into each cylinder and re-running compression check)