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

After sitting for a week or more my 1937 Packard turns over a lot before it starts. My concern is wearing out the starter! My vehicle came with an electric fuel pump and it sounds like it is working (pumping sound when you turn on the ignition key.) Is there a way to get fuel to the carburetor sooner? Or do I have another problem?

Definitely not a great idea to have the starter cranking for a long period of time because they can overheat.

Assuming there is nothing amiss with the ignition such as dirty plugs or a weak spark and it is just a lack of fuel at the carb for the reason, then if the electric pump is working, many of us turn on the electric pump for several seconds before trying to crank -- in my case at least 30 seconds to a minute or even longer until the pump sort of makes a change in sound. On my solenoid type pump the sound change indicates the filter and fuel bowl in the carb is filled and there is no longer much flow. I then pump the accelerator pedal a time or two to set the choke and get a squirt in the carb throat before activating the starter. It still sometimes takes a try or two but generally needs much less starter time than just turning the key and cranking.

My 55 400 has an electric pump and I always do the same thing, however I'm surprised it would take so long. Mine I only run for a couple seconds before it sounds different and I try to crank it.

Thank you both for the reply. You're right, I should let the electric fuel pump run for longer before trying to start. Restarting after being driven the same day it fires right up. Glad you were there for me.

If you do your own tune ups you might consider a dwell meter. Many times the points are not opening correctly and that can cause hard starting. Along with some small pieces of card stock and no residue contact cleaner to make sure the faces of the contacts are free of carbon and there is no burning.