Re: Positive Ground?

Posted by HH56 On 2008/7/27 9:38:55

I believe it is accepted that the spark has reduced efficiency if the coil is backwards. If the battery was switched but not the leads on the coil, then perhaps that could contribute a bit to your starting. I'd lean toward getting the carburetor, plugs etc up to condition first however and see if the hard starting persists.

The hydraulic brake switches are known to fail occasionally but Brian is right that the brakes should be gone through. I think that residual valve keeps about 5 lbs pressure in the lines and it's possible that it's not releasing properly. There was a thread on the AACA Packard forum from another 55 clipper owner with that exact problem. I don't recall seeing what his solution was so possibly a search there will provide information.

If your car now has or you decide to use silicone fluid, then I strongly suggest you consider switching the hydraulic to a mechanical switch. The silicone destroys the older switches but the symptom there is usually no brake lights. There are several ways of making the change, some of which are on site here. If your car has the torsion level, NOS 3 terminal switches are expensive but there are alternatives.