Hi, all. I am a relative newcomer, having bought my 23rd Series Super Eight in February, and only recently starting to enjoy it on the road up here in Michigan. I've had a couple of minor questions that this forum has helped on.

Here's a new one. I've never had trouble starting the engine until this past weekend (twice)...and it was under identical circumstances. I guess I would call it a "hot restart" situation. I drove the vehicle for 20 min, parked and shut the engine off for 20 min. Then, when I went to start it again, had significant difficulty getting the engine going. Again, this happened twice. I should make mention that the vehicle is fitted with an electric fuel pump. I'm not clear on whether my difficulty is due to a flooded engine, or a situation involving vapor lock. Both times, after much effort and pausing to rest, I managed to get the engine started again. This does not happen when I restart the engine after just a few minutes of having been shut off...only when it has been around 20 min or so...so I know it must have something to do with the fact that the engine is hot.

It would be good to know what I should do when I encounter the next situation such as this...if nothing else than to avoid embarassment! Is it a technique that I'm missing? Remember, I'm new to the world of carburated engines. Should I (1) jog the fuel pump and pump the accelerator first to ensure the carburator is full assuming that due to the hot conditions the fuel has vaporized or (2) do I actually have a engine that has flooded somehow due to the thermodynamic conditions and perhaps I need to floor the pedal first to open the choke?

Other than this experience, the vehicle seems to operate flawlessly.

Comments/suggestions??

Thanks to all of you for your comments/inputs. What a great forum!

Hi, Folks. I'm a definite beginner when it comes to owning/maintaining/repairing my newly-acquired 1949 Packard Super Eight. So, here's a simple question. I'm prepping to change the oil, and in searching for the gasket that goes with the oil drain plug, I can't find any Packard supplier that lists it as a part. I'd rather have one in hand BEFORE I do this, rather than examine the one I remove and trying to find a new one by matching the size. So, experts, what gasket size/material am I looking for...and do I need to go anywhere other than the auto parts store down the street to get it?

A book on the bathtub Packards??!! Reserve a copy (autographed) for me!

That's what I figured...looks like I need to dig into the switch. I was fortunate to buy a Packard that was well maintained...and this feature is about the only thing that doesn't work (other than the clock)...so I just HAVE to fix it!

Hi, folks. Got a question on the operation of my 23rd Series Super 8's maplights. I know the so-called maplights are the courtesy lights that come on when I open the doors. However, when I push the maplight switch, they don't light up. Is there some bizarre combination of accessories that must be in operation/on in order for the maplights to light up when the switch is pushed? If not, then I'm assuming I have some sort of issue going on with the switch itself.

Dave S

Thanks for the amazingly quick feedback, guys. I'm trying to figure out the best route to go to make my trunk look as show-quality as the rest of the vehicle.

Any others out there who have taken any pains with their trunk interiors??

Dave S

Hi, folks. I just bought my first Packard...a 1949 Super Eight. And, yes, I've already added it to the registry. I'm looking forward to being a "regular" in the group...and I'm sure I'll have plenty of questions as time goes on. It's clear to me that this site is a goldmine of expertise, pride, and people willing to help!

My Super Eight is in such great shape (previous owner spend many years loving and restoring it) that I don't have a lot to improve upon...just some very small things like making the clock work, etc.

Here's one question for you: what kind of material was originally used to line the interior of the trunk?? Was it the same as the carpet used in the rest of the car? Mine needs replacing, and I can tell by looking at it that it is not original to the car (looks like some sort of carpeting from the '70s). Know of any place that would sell something appropriate for this application?

Dave S