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I just tried to start my 533 and hear a loud hum (like a motor that is shorted out) when I try to start the car. I assume a winding or other wire has shorted out but could it be something else?

I assume I will need to pull the starter.

Does this unit DH695 have a starter solenoid?

Thanks
Gar

My 526 had the same problem. Turns out that my battery was not charged enough and would not spin the starter fast enough to engage the bendix pawl. Check the battery.

Thanks. I checked that out and had 7.2 volts at the starter. I also put the jump starter on it and had it boost the amperage as well. No luck.

Any idea on how i can check to see if it is really shorting out before I go and remove it?

It could just be the drive. Put your have on it when it is running and see if it feels as if it is running. Not that hard to remove, cable and one bolt-it is heavy!

Hello all, I may be barking up the wrong tree here but it was a common thing for the 5th, 6th Series and other early Packards to lock the Bendix. This would give a slight "clunk" then nothing. The bendix effectively jams in the ring gear. Mine does it a few times a year. Simple fix. You undo the single top holding bolt and retract the starter a few inches ( with wires attached) and the bendix retracts. Reinsert the starter snub...do up the single bolt and off you go. It is a PITA when it occurs but that is the joy of owning a 90 year old Automobile/ whatever. I always carry the spanner with me. I also carry a 12 volt jumper pack for really hot vapour lock days and boy does that 6V starter love the extra juice.
Stay Safe from Down Under. Peter Toet

I agree with Peter, I have had the same experience with my 633's and the 126 but not as often.
Those starter motors are about the easiest to remove of any car in my experience. Just one easily accessed bolt.

I removed the power from the battery and pulled the 3/4" bolt. How hard should it be to pull the starter out toward the front of the radiator? I assume that there is about 95 years of CRUD holding it in position. I am thinking of a gear puller? Is that too aggressive?

I suggest using a plumber's strap wrench to break the starter free. Just an ever so slight rotation should loosen it.

I would advise against using a 12V jump unless there is absolutely no alternative. The Bendix can slam the gear out with such force it will crack/break the nose cone.

I believe the Packard manual actually covers the stuck starter gear issue, suggesting rocking the car and letting out the clutch. Rather difficult to do if you don't have a couple able bodied guys around though.

I tried a bit of heat from a propane torch; more deep creep; and tried the strap wrench. Still nothing.

? Could the gear be engaged and that is why I cannot remove it?