Re: The Duchess Project: 1940 Super 8 Convertible Sedan

Posted by Joe Santana On 2016/7/13 17:06:13

The Duchess has been running like crap lately and I keep chasing issues, like changing the carburetor to the Carter. It is better, but still lots of coughing, wheezing and fluffing at rpms at mid gear or higher.

CONDENSER So at the Packards of Oregon meeting last night I asked the experts. Check the condenser. This morning I played hooky and learned how to finally use my multimeter and how to test condensers. I wasn't getting much of anything at first, shadowing readings. My meter needed a new 9V. Then the tests started to make sense. I took out the old condenser and put in a new one. Huge difference in performance, but still a tiny hesitation, barely noticeable at the top of 1st and 2nd. But at least I could wind it up past the middle, no problem.

COIL I added a temporary coil (need to locate one where the back opens up), wired it up and now...awesome...amazing...almost Too much power. I drop smoothly into overdrive at 45 and 50 without missing a beat.

ATF Also it was suggested pouring a 1/2 cup of automatic transmission fluid in the carburetor with the hand throttle keeping g the rpms up well above idle. Huge billows of smoke blew into the neighbor's yard. Next time I do this, I'll warn them. This counteracts the ethanol and limbers the valves. She runs very smooth now.

Changed my whole frame of mind.