Re: Idiot's First Packard: 51' 200 Ultramatic Coupe

Posted by kevinpackard On 2024/7/16 0:03:28

Fuel not moving could be many things. If fuel pump is replaced and the lines are clear, then the next place to look would be the fuel tank. If it's original then there is a really good chance that it is full of rust and varnish. The fuel lines could also have pinhole leaks in them (check under the clips for the hardline along the frame) and the fuel pump will be sucking air. Anything on the suction side that allows air in will prevent the pump from pulling fuel. Also, it is going to take a while for the fuel pump to pull fuel anyways. But really, check the tank....if it's not clean then you are pulling crap into your fuel pump which will clog the screen.

Stuck valves are super common on cars that sit. It's not the end of the world. Worst case scenario if you can't get them loosened up then pull the head and deal with them then. Or have a mechanic do that.

Like Don said, soak the valves with oil over the course of a week or so. Marvel Mystery Oil has worked for me in the past. Also, remove the passenger tire, and then remove the access panel on the inner fender. From there you can see the valve covers on the side of the engine. Remove the road draft tube and the fuel pump heat shield. Then remove the valve covers. You'll be able to see each of the valves and will see some that are stuck into the up position. Spray the springs and valve stems with some sort of penetrating fluid. Give it plenty of time.

Once you are able to get the valves moving a bit, then get the engine to start. Use a clean source of fuel, not the fuel tank. If you can get the engine started it will run terribly for several minutes....keep it running by playing with the throttle. Once the engine warms up most of those stuck valves will likely release and the engine will smooth out and run well. Never use old fuel or fuel that isn't coming from a known clean source....otherwise you will gum up the valves again.

Here's a video of a stuck valve on my '54. You can hear and see that it ran terribly.


After doing the above work the valve freed up and the engine ran beautifully.


My brother in law's '52 had several stuck valves. We got them all freed up by doing the same procedure.

I started out basically the same as you. I had zero experience with old cars and have never done anything with engines. I had no idea how a carburetor worked, no idea how to work with drum brakes, no idea what a distributor was, etc. I learned as I went with the help of the fine folks on here and local guys in the car club. You can learn everything you need to know and have a great time doing it.

-Kevin