Re: Bringing an old inline eight back to life

Posted by Rusty O\'Toole On 2013/10/1 19:03:30

I have revived a number of old cars that were off the road for 30 years or more. Most of them ran well.

My policy is to look the engine over carefully and assess its condition, look for missing or broken parts check oil etc.

Then try to get it running with the minimum changes. I assume the engine ran when parked and will run again. Usually it is only necessary to clean the points, clean the carb, and replace 1 or 2 parts.

Squirt some oil down the spark plug holes for a start. Try to turn the engine over by hand, but don't force it. If you can turn it 2 complete turns spin it with the starter and see if you get oil pressure.

Then check for spark, clean the points etc. until you get a good spark. Fill the carb with gas and give it a try. DO NOT trust the gas in the tank, disconnect the fuel line and connect a motor boat gas tank or the like.

Packards seem to be prone to sticky valves, at least the flatheads. In some cases you have to take the head off and do a valve job. But, you never know your luck. It may start right up and run grand for you. Sometimes they do.