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

I stepping out side to try it now!

connected the wires turned the key and nothing. Quick question on starting the 51. Do I need to put my foot on the break to get it started. Another thing if My breaks are completely shot does it matter if I use the break to start the car or not. Thanks in advance

Looking at the wires, there could be a break or bad or broken connection. The carb switch could also be bad. If you have an Ultramatic, putting it in park or neutral is necessary. If a manual trans, just make sure it is in neutral and emerg brake is on.

If Ultramatic, the 6 volts goes from ignition switch, to the transmission safety switch on the drivers side of trans toward the rear (which will be closed only in park and neutral) and then to the carb switch. Pressing the accelerator then closes that switch and supplies 6v to the solenoid. In a manual trans, it is just from ign switch to carb switch.

is there any way to bypass the carb start switch?

If you have a voltmeter or test light I would verify you have 6 volts to ground when ignition switch is on at one of the wires with bare terminals in your hand. If you do, just touch the two wires together and then separate them as soon as engine starts. If you don't have the 6v then you will have to trace it back thru either the ultramatic safety switch or directly to ign switch and find out why not.

i dont own a meter but I'll try touching the wires to see if it starts. Thanks for the help

There is supposed to be a starter switch on the carburetor, you floor the gas pedal to start the engine.

You can jimmy up a temporary starter switch by wiring a pushbutton to the old wires. Use wires long enough to reach inside the car.

The gas pedal starter is a cool feature, you should put it back in commission as soon as you can.

1953 and prior used the pedal start. So the ignition switch just turned the ON. But does not have a "Starter Position" like a modern ignition.

A quick test would be to momentarily connect the larger lug on the solenoid (from the battery) to the little lug on the solenoid. (this is basically what the carb switch and or starter position on a modern ignition switch does). Safest way to do this is go to your local parts store you can buy one of those remote starter switches. Which is basically a push button switch with two wires a each with a alligator clip on them.

A more billy-bob and cooter way is to just bridge the terminals with screwdriver shaft. Make sure you are holding only the insulated handle. (do at your own risk).

Once you know the starter and solenoid are functioning correctly, then you can repair the wiring, and see if the original carb switch still works. Or bypass with a momentary switch. Basically you just need something to supply current to the small terminal on the solenoid during the starting operation. Once the car starts, you then cut the current. That is what a carb switch and modern style ignition does is a nut shell.