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

Good Day All,

I have a 53' Patrician with a 327 straight 8 and a 4bbl carb. My issue is after taking a wonderful 40-50 mile cruise around town, without any problems, the car won't start after I shut it off until it cools down significantly. When cold the car fires right away ( 2-3 seconds). I did notice that when I take shorter trips that the car does'nt start as quickly as when it is cold. Can anyone give me any suggestions on what to check to figure out my issue? Thanks in advance for any help/advice.

Ramon from Michigan

Didn't mention if engine turns over normally but just doesn't start of if slow or doesn't turn over. I have had some issue in past when things hot. Heat can decrease efficiency on some electrical items if the least little thing is wrong. Things such as poor connection, weak spark, weak battery, dragging starter, tight engine making it barely turn until cooled really manifest. If all that seems normal, then other possibility is gas is "boiling" out of carb and things are dry.

Sorry, yes the engine turns over slowly. I'll check on the items you listed. I appreciate the help.

Thanks

Ramon

If you spray starter fluid in carb-will it start? Could determine whether fuel issue or electrical. I have had coils when hot break down-but on cooling starts with no problem.

Based on what has been described, I would say you have a starter problem. The engine should turn over just as fast when it is at operating temperature as when it is cold. A slow turning starter will draw too much from the starter leaving an insufficient voltage for the ignition system. Good luck, and let us know how you resolved this problem.

(o{I}o)

Hi Ramon. Did you ever determine the cause of the problem? I've purchased a 1952 Packard for my father, and two mechanics can't figure out why it won't start after the engine is hot. One insists it's the starter (which we just had rebuilt), and the other mechanic is stumped and can't find an answer. Please let me know if you've found a cause/remedy. Thanks!

I'm running into almost the same problem with my 54 359 engine. Quick cold start, struggling hot start. battery is new ill have to check cables coil and battery i guess.

A common suggestion is to make sure you're using new...and the right size battery cables. Don't use the 12v ones from the parts store, and i believe some have recommended having welding shops make you some. The previous owner of my car had them made from welding cable, and they've worked great on 2 different motors/starters hot and cold.

Quote:G'day bl1308,
to PackardInfo, but sorry I can't add anything that would help to overcome your problem. However I invite you, or your Dad, to add the '52 Packard to the Packard Owner's Registry here on PackardInfo.

bl1308 & John,
The others are certainly correct by mentioning the potential problem with the cables. It's very common for the cables to get replaced with smaller guage. If the starter is weak, there is other options on that also. I've had very good luck in the past replacing customers field coils with new "High Torque" windings. Let me know if this interests you at all. Feel free to ask all the questions you want. I don't always get back to the forum on a regular basis, so feel free to email me.
Jason
Advanced Electrical Rebuilders
jason@aerrebuild.com
www.aerrebuild.com