Re: New member, setting off on a crazy adventure... PICS!!!

Posted by HH56 On 2017/12/1 12:40:43

It is a standard Autolite or Delco starter used by many other cars at the time so any competent auto electric shop should be able to handle it. Big difference between starters is how they mount to the engine. If the cast iron nose piece end is damaged that could be Packard specific. The issue with modern shops is the age and whether they have brushes or if needed, 6v field coils in stock. If there is an old established shop that does farm work they should have parts available.

The issue with the battery is getting a modern one to fit in the tray -- particularly if they have the extra lips at the bottom for a mounting clip. Don't remember the number but I know several have bought them off the shelf for the 51-4 so surprising it takes so long to get one shipped. Do a search of the forums and am sure there will be some numbers mentioned. If all else fails you could get an Optima 6v. Those will fit and have greater CCA capacity than the ordinary lead acid. The tie down will be a problem but you can get the bottom clips and drill the tray for a bolt or two for those fasteners.

What ever you get pay attention to the battery capacity, battery cables and connections. 6v is absolutely unforgiving of too small a battery cable, a dirty connection or a weak battery. Anything that drops the coil voltage down significantly so that the coil is seeing closer to 5 volts instead of 6v during cranking will make the spark very weak and may not be able to jump the plug gap. If you need battery cables check they are 0 or better yet 00 gauge. Cables sold in modern stores labeled as 6v are frequently too small for the load of the starter turning that long engine and will drop the voltage across the board.