I agree with you about the too much advance stutter-cranking, but it sounded like he was way retarded.

Just now re-read the post....I saw retarded but he also said 20 BTDC which is Way Advanced. Did I not have enough coffee this morning?

Couldn't he remove the coil wire to determine whether it's an advance related cranking issue when hot?

It sounds like two separate issues to me. Yes timing can affect starting, but it should crank the same regardless.

Slow cranking after getting hot can sometimes be caused by the starter having built up resistance due to the heat. Do you have a way to check for current draw cold, then hot?

Also...if the starter is fine, then the battery may be losing it's charge while running (not necessarily heat related) If this is the case, then your battery will eventually go bad from the deep cycling. Check battery voltage battery before you start, while starting, and when running right after first start, then check again after it's warmed up. Finally, check the battery voltage about 5 minutes after you shut down.

That's where I would start....both tests only take a minute or two and can tell you a whole lot of information.

You are correct about the '30s. I believe Studebaker was the first in the 1936 President.
BTW, My '63 Avanti had the Hill Holder. (NO-Rol)

Here is Austin, Texas I see horns like that (on cars) on a somewhat regular basis ..really.

Water?

Guess I will have to watch some old episodes of McHales Navy to see Packard Powered PT boats in action!

Not a lot of PT boat action these days but here is a video that at least mentions the engines and shows the engine room. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AG8x8C5I8a0

Dirt?

Here is a Packard powered tractor running in a Tractor Pull.
Sounds like a Diesel.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4j_fEg2JmLE

My money is on it's old stock.

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Thank you, but out of the four I hope I can get everything I need.

This is what the chassis looks like.....
<a href="http://s565.photobucket.com/albums/ss94/walterpayne/Sale%20items/?action=view&current=SA400002-1.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i565.photobucket.com/albums/ss94/walterpayne/Sale%20items/SA400002-1.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>

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Wasn't that car in "Escape From New York" or some movie like that? Pre "Pimp My Ride" anyway.....

Not really sure what to think about the cormorant on the goddess. They seem more like a version of "Leda and the Swan" than a mixed metaphor. Either way...your car your style. But please... Ixnay on the andlecabrey.

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Thank you, and everyone for the warm welcome. Two of the cars are most likly parts cars, at least one for sure due to rust issues. Only one, plus the chassis, looks like I might be able to get the engine started and then see if the transmission will help move the thing.

It's an almost overwhelming project, and originally I thought I might just try to sell everything for another less demanding project. Now that I have been cleaning up the chassis, I really want to hear it run! I envision being able to drive it around a little without the body.

Finding this forum has added to my excitement about the cars as well!

I will be out to the garage this afternoon and hope to get a picture or two.