We used a multimeter to check starter last night. Even before trying to crank it it was losing power. So, just turning the key to the on position drained it. Battery is good. It makes it very hard to test it. The idea of checking all electrical is a bit daunting.

So we found TDC and put the distributor wires in the right order. The battery is good. Brand new and holds a charge overnight. New points, plugs and condenser and spark plug wires. The coil was also replaced. What seems to happen is the warning lights come on (as they should) when the key is in the start position and the headlights work so there is some power. When we try to start the car, the engine turns very slowly and then the power dies. The battery still registers as having charge. Any ideas?

That's funny...such a simple thing. Definitely worth a try.

Hi there...as I mentioned I'm really new at working with cars. We are tring to find top dead center. Is it possible for the rotor pointer to not be pointing to number 1 plug when at top dead center according to where the service manual says it should be? The rotor hasn't been changed to our knowledge since it was started 20 years ago so should be right. It doesn't make sense. Also battery is good but car is losing power when off. We aren't sure what's going on.

Thank you everyone for all of your suggestions. I will let you know what (hopefully) works.

Hi everyone,

My husband bought a 53 Packard Clipper a few years back. He is new to fixing cars and restoration has been stalled as he can't get it started. We decided to try to fix it up together and it has been fun...so far

We found this website and forum and learned quite a bit about the car's history just by looking at the information on this website. What a great resource!

So far, we have changed the plugs (checked spark and it is good), coil, rotor. All fluids have been changed. Electrical seems good. Gas seems to be getting into the carb so we think fuil pump is good and the engine will turn slooooowly but won't fire. We are puzzled as to why it won't fire. We are thinking it might be the timing and are going to check the order of the timing next.

I'm just learning about cars and engines so hopefully everything I've said makes sense.

I'm just wondering whether anyone has any other suggestions for us newbys.

The car is in pretty good shape considering it has never been restored. I'll add pictures to the car information page when I have a moment. I tried to attach a picture of how we found the car but it didn't seem to work...it's under the max size so I'm not sure. :)

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