Re: 1952 Packard not starting

Posted by HH56 On 2021/8/19 15:17:22

As to the 12v battery doing damage, that would depend on what was on. If it was just a polarity change with nothing else turned on, nothing in a stock Packard would have been damaged. If you did turn the key on then still no damage from the polarity change but light bulbs such as those illuminating the OIL and GEN idiot lights or any of the courtesy illumination lamps that were on when the door opened could have been burned out with the 12v. Without the engine starting it is doubtful the voltage regulator or generator would have been damaged. About the only things to worry about maybe getting too hot from 12v would be the starter solenoid if you have done a lot of cranking and the coil would not have particularly liked a long on time at 12v. Maybe it or the points could have been damaged so they cannot be ruled out as a reason for no spark.

The coil has its own separate terminal on the ignition switch. If the wiring is stock, turning to either the left or right will power everything coming off the ignition switch such as gauges, radio, heater, turn signals etc but not the coil. The coil will only get power when the key is turned to the right or run direction. While the starter may turn in the key left position the engine will not start unless key is to the right.

If you do the tests others have suggested and still have not found a reason for no spark, since you worked in the distributor check something there. If your distributor is one that has a small probably green or black cloth covered flexible wire connecting the points to the outside terminal have a good look at that wire. Frequently the old fabric insulation is rotten and will fall off if it is disturbed letting the wire short so no signal from the points gets to the coil. Many times the damage is under the contact or advance plate and not easily seen. This has happened to many others when changing the points or condenser. If your wire does need to be replaced be sure to use the ultra flexible wire meant for the job. Ordinary hookup wire is too stiff and will soon break with the motion of the advance plate because of the advance mechanisms continually moving it.