Re: Engine Rebuild

Posted by BigKev On 2010/5/29 11:33:44

Gary '54 was the first year for a modern "Key-Start" on a Packard. Previous years had a pedal start. The starter switch was actually mounted on the carburetor and controlled by the throttle linkage. When the car started, the vacuum created would move a little metal ball in the switch and then break the current flow to the starter.

A lot of time that little ball would get corroded and stuck, and people would then bypass it with a momentary switch, or replace the ignition switch with a modern version.

If you take the carb switch apart, it can be cleaned and put back into operation. Assuming your OE carb wasnt replaced with something else.