Re: 1938 v12 Touring Sedan Vapor Lock?

Posted by Tim Cole On 2011/4/21 18:20:20

Dear Packard1949:

The Packard manual lists vapor lock as a cause of hot starting problems, but does not elaborate. The electric pump should remove vapor lock as an issue, but to test get the car hot, let it heat soak to the no start condition, turn the pump on, and pump the throttle. Fuel should begin to spill out of the anti-flood.

Next get a KD spark tester from NAPA and verify a good hot spark of at least 20K.

Third pull the plugs and perform a compression test.

If the above is all good then look for clogged main jet air bleeds in the Stromberg EE3. This will manifest as gas running out of the anti-flood when parked.

Don't forget that proper hot starting procedure is to hold the throttle to the floor when cranking.

Good luck with your V-12. When new they usually started faster than a computer controlled motor hot or cold. However, the manual does state that occasional extended cranking may be required to start a very hot motor.

Oh, and one other point is starter cranking speed. If your motor is not turning over fast you should consider a complete set of custom made battery cables from RI. These can make a world of improvement and save your starter motor as well. Use 3/8 anti-shake washers at all chassis connections.