Packard Forum Index » Post-War (1946-54)

Hello, I recently got a '53 Clipper deluxe touring sedan, everything runs pretty well, but there is a hesitation if I get on the gas rather hard coming from a complete stop. Sometimes it will die if I give it too much gas after stopping. If i take off somewhat slowly, its fine but giving it any more will cause it to die. It has a new fuel pump and filter, I was told that the carb was rebuilt, but cannot verify. Wasn't sure if anyone had experienced this or if this is normal? I always drive in High, never manually from Low to High.

I would check, or rather replace, the points, condenser, rotor and distributor cap along with new sparkplugs and check the plug wires too as who knows how old they are. A new coil would complete the ignition system renewal and likely give you your performance back.
Bob J.

Check the condition of the accelerator pump boot. If it looks okay, then probably the carb was rebuilt. Otherwise it could be an accelerator pump problem.

As Bob said, a faulty ignition system (I would check your plugs first) is another likely culprit.

Driving in high should be no problem as long as you can feel the transmission going in and out of direct drive. Though if it was stuck in direct you would stall at every stop. You should feel a bit of a jerk/clunk/shift around 20-30mph which is the clutch plate engaging.

I feel the shift at 50mph every time on the faster speed limit roads. I do drive this car almost daily to work 5 days a week (40 mile round trip) on country and state roads. Plus weekends. Though it does shift sooner in the city. I was also told the spark plugs were replaced, but looking at them, the tops of them, from what i can see, they almost have a white residue on top. The cap and wires look cleaner than the plugs.

Teddy, the condition you describe is not normal. There are several possible reasons but the first that I'd check would be the function of the carburetor accelerator pump. To do that, with the ignition off or disabled, remove the air filter, hold the choke valve open if necessary, and peer down the throat of the carburetor as you give the accelerator linkage a full stroke. As long as there is fuel in the carburetor you should see a small but vigorous stream of gasoline spray into the venturis. If you don't see this, service the carburetor accordingly. If the accelerator pump is functioning then we can move on to the next possibility.

Taking a broader perspective, if you don't know the last time the engine was given a comprehensive tune-up, then it's probably in order to do one now. Plugs, wires, cap, rotor, points and condensor, retime ignition, clean or replace fuel filters, service air filter, etc. etc.

Many accelerator pump linkages have adjustments. You may be able to adjust it to a richer setting.

Accelerator pump issues are most noticeable before the engine warms up.

Other things to check: Initial timing, automatic spark advance function, automatic choke function, manifold heat valve function.

Spark plug wires and dirty or worn plugs can also cause hesitation, as can points/condenser problems.

I'd start by checking the automatic choke and accelerator pump function.

The engine should never hesitate.

I've had the acceleraor pump tear on the '54. It had similar symptoms to what you are reporting.