Packard Forum Index » Pre-War (1899-1942)

On my '41 110, after observing that I can turn the engine over with the starter button and the ignition off, I have begun to use this procedure for cold starts:

1. Switch ignition "OFF"
2. Turn engine over with starter button for 10 seconds to circulate oil and build up oil pressure
3. Depress accelerator to floor to set choke
4. Switch ignition "ON"
5. Prime fuel line with electric boost pump for 5 seconds
6. Press starter while continuing to run electric fuel boost pump until engine starts.

As for warmup, in temperatures between 40-60 degrees F, I have been letting the car warmup about 1 minute on the "high idle" circuit then kicking it down to low (normal) idle for about 3 minutes.

I will then proceed to drive very gently for the first 5 minutes (shifting at a lower RPM than I normally would and accelerating very slowly) until I start to register coolant temperature comfortably above the lower peg after which I resume normal driving.


What do you guys do?

Basically, this is the procedure I use when awakening my 115C after a several days nap. I like the idea of getting oil circulated in the engine before starting. I am sure others have their cold start procedures and look forward to reading about them.

(o{}o)

Like O_D, I don't have an electric fuel pump. Turning the engine over a few times in short 5-second bursts 'till oil pressure is registered is enough to prime the carb.

I use a similar procedure if the car has been idle for a week or more, except that I don't have an electric fuel pump and find it unnecessary, the couple of engine cranks until the oil pressure gauge shows movement is enough to fill the carburetor, so no steps 5 & 6.

I like the process of turning an engine over that has been sitting for a long time to get oil throughout the system. I avoid using a starter for more than 5 seconds without letting it cool down for 5 to 10 seconds before turning it over for another 5 seconds.

Not sure if the "5 Second Rule" is necessary or not. It was something a long time mechanic told me 50 plus years ago. As I remember it was my auto shop teacher in high school.

He was in his mid 40's at the time and decided he want to teach, got his credentials, sold his shop and got a job with the Los Angeles School District. When I asked him why, he said the hours were better, the job was cleaner, didn't have customers to content with and that he could send students that got out of control to the Boy's Vice Principals Office. I took several night classes from him on repairing hydramatic transmission.

Nothing new to add other than to corroborate what others have said. I use the same procedure whether it's the Packard or Continentals on my twin Cessna. Prime, crank until I see oil pressure, then light the mags / coil.

Another data-point to add to Marston's observations: The operating manual for the IO-470s in my Cessna 310 (admittedly very different beasts though) says no more than 30sec of cranking followed by a 5min cool down before further attempts. I don't think I'd feel comfortable cranking my 526 for 30 seconds straight, but then it usually catches immediately so I've never had to go there.