Thank you everyone for your reply and the information. I believe we have tried all of those things. I've mentioned the battery cable a few times to my husband but he is pretty sure that the cable is ok. As best as I recall we have already done everything suggested (new battery, spray into carb, spark test)...it's been awhile but I'm pretty sure we did all of those things. We seem to be over our heads here so I'll try those contacts you suggested.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Hello, I haven't posted in a while. I am from Vancouver, Canada...my husband is new to working on cars and cannot get his 53 started. We have come close...it turns slowly and sputters and then we kill the battery. He is ready to get rid of it and I feel really bad for him that it didn't work out. I think he feels pretty defeated at this point. I'm wondering if anyone knows of a mobile mechanic in Vancouver, Canada or general area who might be willing to come have a look. I'd love to surprise him and get it started. I've phoned around but everyone wants me to tow it in. At this point hubby doesn't want to spend the money because he doesn't know if it's worth it. If I could pay someone for an hour or two of their time just to get their opinion that would be awesome. It's hard to even find mechanics that work on these type of engines. I've phoned around and no luck. It's just a thought and if we can't get it going I guess we will part it out.

Here's the link to our last attempt at starting.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m7U-X1g_cOc

Also, I apologize to anyone who has replied to my earlier posts to whom I didn't respond. I'm new to forums and I didn't check the box to be notified of new posts! I appreciate your help. Thank you!

Thanks for the suggestions. We will likely try the jump first because we don't have brakes.

Should the fuel filter (see attachment) be full of fuel when motor is turning? You can see from the photo how little is in there. Could it be our fuel pump?

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okay, I posted on Youtube. I hope this works. I'm not very tech savvy...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m7U-X1g_cOc&feature=youtu.behttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m7U-X1g_cOc&feature=youtu.be

oops. I think my video is a .mov. Any ideas on how to add a video?

Hi everyone, I just tried to send a video and I think it was too big so I'm trying again...

We tested the spark plugs and they all seemed to be fine (nice white spark). The compression was lower than our previous tests (40-70 range). One has always been low but they are overall lower than previously tested. We turned over the engine without the plugs and it spun faster. Please see the attached video and let us know if you have any ideas.

Thank you!

We are stumped as to where to find the dipstick to check transmission fluid. everything I have found is for ultramatic. Is it under the hood, underneath or under the mat? Sorry for dumb newbie question.

Thank you for your suggestions

Our car turns slower than the one in the video.

Compression is 75-85 psi for all which we think is low.

We have tried jumping with a 12 volt which turned the engine faster but it would not start.

We have checked each spark plug

We added oil to the cylinders. Cylinder walls are quite smooth which we understand is bad.

We poured a little gas in the carb and some ether.

Valves look okay. We had the tire and valve covers off and valves seem to be moving freely.

I hope this information is useful? We are thinking of checking transmission fluid as well. Thanks!

Hi everyone! As a refresher, I'm the wife of someone trying to start a 53 Packard Clipper. We have tried new battery, starter, head gaskets, fluids, plugs, air filter. It turns slowly but will not start. We can turn engine by hand but it is tough. We have run out of ideas. It seems to get fuel but maybe not enough. I think hubby said fuel should squirt more from carb? Sorry if that doesn't make sense. I don't know much about cars but I hate to see the old gal go for scrap and hubby is so disappointed.

I know the cable from the battery needs to be 0 or 00 gauge. Hubby says it's okay and lots of voltage? I'm attaching pics of the cables to the battery and to the starter and overall. Could this be stuck valves? Hubby took off tires and we looked but not sure what that achieved lol.

Should we try the mystery oil? Give up? We are not up to a ground up restoration. Just a fun hopefully) first project.

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