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

Took the '51 200 out last weekend. Started to run rough (sputter/stall). Then it just quit. Now I can re-start it, but it will only run about 10-15 seconds, then quit again. It doesn't matter if it idles, or if I rev it.

Took the carb apart last year, cleaned it and installed a new carb kit. It has been running fine up until now.

Thinking it may be the fuel pump, just filling the bowl then quitting. Or maybe the electric choke is malfunctioning. Vacuum problem?

Any ideas?

Sounds like the classic clogged fuel filter/clogged fuel line that lets just a little by as it sits a minute.

Willis---you need to start your own/new thread!

Agree with Ross, having gone trough fuel system nightmares on my car.

Remember if you have crud in your fuel filter, that means there is even more lurking in the tank. Best to drop the tank and clean in out. My car would idle all day long in the garage, but as soon as the car started to move and fuel sloshed around in the tank, it would cause crud to get sucked up and clog the filter.

The tank was cleaned out last year when I cleaned the carb, and it has a new fuel filter.

The problem happens at idle and at high RPMs.

I suggest that you check the mechanical fuel pump for pressure and volume.

(o[]o)

I certainly agree with JW, check the pump volume and pressure. But I see you said the tank was "cleaned", no mention of having it coated. If it was simply cleaned and the protective terne plate coating has failed, it can rapidly re-rust.

The good thing about those glass bowl fuel filters is that you can see into them. When she cuts out, is the bowl empty? If it is, then it's a fuel issue. If the bowl is full, that would suggest there's gas getting into the engine, so you might need to look elsewhere, especially given the work you did last year.

I'd look to an electrical issue, probably spark. Things like the distributor and the coil, they could account for sudden death. Easy: Basic tune up things, like proper point setting, timing, condenser. Did you check them? Harder: Distributor things like the weights and springs inside. Has the coil been replaced? And the distributor, is it new, original or rebuilt?

Lastly, and this is a long shot...you have the Ultramatic? Does she die when starting off or when you start to slow down..when the trans would shift? And does High RPM's=torque converter lock up time?

The fuel bowl is full when it dies. All of the electrical components are original, so it could very well be a gremlin in there. I've been kind of expecting something like that to happen sooner or later.

Did you check the fuel pump output? This check will either confirm a problem or eliminate it from your running problem. If not the fuel pump then it sounds as if the carburetor is running out of gas for some reason. Check the pump and go on from there. We are all interested as to what the problem is.

(o[]o)