Re: Firing order and cylinder layout

Posted by Andrew Armitage On 2013/11/6 5:33:14

It's been a while but I'm still working on this issue. It's been a busy year with work and I've had little time to tinker with my toys. I just thought I'd update everyone that has taken the time to help me out.

I received some much needed help in person from a long time mechanic / old car hobbyist friend.

Issue #1 found:

The wire that runs between the ignition switch and the ignition coil was allowing the proper voltage to run through it but not the proper amount of amperage to run through it. And at that, nothing would run through it if the wire was held in certain positions. I replaced the wire with one of better quality and probably closer to the correct gauge.

Here's my next question.

There was a Y connector that runs off the ignition switch wire to the coil. It feeds into the main wiring harness. From there, I have no idea where it goes. Does anyone here know? It looked like original wiring.

The condition of the wiring on this car has a lot to be desired. It's a hodgepodge of original and replacement of dubious quality. A complete replacement of all wiring is in order (now if I can just find the time and money for that!).

Issue #2

The other issue was the gas was of questionable quality. I drained the tank. The gas was very yellow and had almost no smell to it.

We were able to get a lot of false starts and a couple of times the engine would run with a lot of throttle to keep it from dying out. The spark was as strong as it's ever been with the faulty wire replaced and a new ignition coil installed.

While running, the engine was running very well so it seems the electrical issue has been resolved and now we move to a fuel / fuel delivery problem.

The exhaust was black as black when the engine first started and then after a short while turned to very white but would die at idle as if it was starved for fuel.

I have to get some gas line to feed the engine from a small gas can with fresh gas. I will report back my findings when I do so. I am keeping my fingers crossed that the old Packard will run as it should with the electrical fixes and some new fresh gas.