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Was there ever a transition period from the hand-crank starter to the key ignition starter when Packards had both, in case one or the other failed?

as always
Garrett Meadows

Garrett, no specifics but it was common practice after electric starters were first fitted to have a hole in the bottom center of the grille/radiator so a hand crank could be used. I believe this practice continued into the mid-1930s. Others may have more accurate information on this.

(o{}o)

I agree with JW, but just think about it; a straight 8 (320 or 384 CI) to hand crank. I know they're low pressure engines but still it would be quiet a job to hand start a cold engine.

I know that the talk revolves around Packards but for entertaining reasons I can't resist to mention, that hand-crank starters survived the turn of the millenium ... in Russia.

I have a Tenth Series (1933) Packard that still has its hand crank. I've been told that Packard discontinued providing hand cranks with the end of Tenth Series production. And yes, it is a bear of an engine to crank by hand; makes you appreciate all the hard work those starter motors do.

As usual, thanks to all the informative responses. I can only imagine having to hand-crank a cold straight-eight engine.

I have heard that the crank could swing or kick back, often breaking the arm of the guy (or woman) doing the cranking.

as always
Garrett Meadows

My '34 Eight has a hand crank with the tool kit under the front seat. I believe cranks were supplied thru 1936, not sure about after that but the parts book will establish the date when the hand crank ceased being a standard part of the tool kit. I use it occasionally to get the engine to the timing mark to rough-set the ignition timing. Never used it to actually start the engine, with a dead battery it's easier to just give it a push and pop the clutch.

EDIT: checking the part listings, 1934 was the last year the crank was part of the standard domestic tool kit.