The Case of the Petulant Packard

Posted by Jim L. in OR On 2012/12/13 18:45:24

Since I got my '55 back this summer I have woefully neglected my '51. Part of the reason was that the last time I started it up it sounded like someone was inside the engine with a hammer trying to get out. I knew there had been some noise that faded as the engine warmed up and this sound did too. Also, for once I had my hearing aid in so maybe that explains part of it. Never the less, it sounded horrible.

Today I thought I see what I could find and went to start it up. My normal procedure when starting it after it hasn't run for a while is to dump a little gas down the carb throat. The result is a running engine on the first try. NOT TODAY. It sounded like there was no spark at all - didn't even pop. I pulled the number one plug wire and braced it about an half an inch from the block and cranked - no spark at all. I then took my volt meter to the battery which read 6.5 volts. Next I turned on the key and measured the voltage at the primary coil terminal and got 5.7 volts. That seems a little low to me but at least the coil is getting juice. A side note: This car has gone through 3 coils since I've owned it. The first was put on with a major tune up I have the receipt for before I bought it. When I took it in for a check up once there it wouldn't start so new coil number two. After a few months I realized that the coil didn't like being upside down as it was leaking oil. Which brings us to the coil that is on the car now.

I don't know much about ignition systems except the very obviously so any ideas about why she won't start would be very much appreciated.