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

I just had my '50 Packard Super DeLuxe tuned with new plugs. distributor, rotor, points and condensor. This evening it started fine then on warm up it began to chug at idle like it was getting too much gas. I am thinking the choke here??? Any ideas guys????

Was the timing rechecked? Idle adjustment screws?

Gee, I don't know, but I doubt it. It ran decently prior to the tune up and ran well after too. It just started this tonight. The car is to go to have the transmission worked over on Thursday so I am a bit nervous...

If you pull the air cleaner off carb while it's running does the choke appear fully open? If so, then that would rule it out. If not, then manually opening it should tell if that's the cause.

Does it clear up if you raise the RPM's? Could be a sticky float needle valve in the carb...do you see black smoke at the tailpipe?

I would contact the shop that tuned it and give them a chance to get it right.

When was the carburetor last gone through? I can't say enough good things about Daytona in Fla. kits or rebuilds, they are about the best.

Yes, it does clear up when I speed the engine up. It seems to clear out the excess gas then runs nicely. There is black smoke too. Is that a sign of what you are talking about? If it is, is there a quick fix so it can go on to the transmission shop?? Thanks for your knowledge...

If the ignition timing was set after the distributor was worked on, then it sounds to me like the carburetor is flooding from a leaking needle and seat valve. There may be a small particle of dirt under the needle valve causing too much gasoline to enter the carburetor. Try lightly tapping the carburetor, I repeat - lightly tap - where the fuel line is fitted. The plastic handle of a screw driver is a good thing to use. Just do it lightly, the tapping may jar the dirt loose. Good luck.

(o{I}o)

Paul, did the tapping work? Is all ok now?

I'm having the EXACT same problem.
At startup, the car would puff out black smoke till it got warmed up. I took it to the mechanic for a tune-up and some other work (New water pump, etc...) It ran flawlessly for about 2 days. Then the black smoke came back. A friend of mine smelled it and said "Yup, that's gas" Now I also have a chugging engine. I tried the screwdriver trick to no avail.

One thing I did notice is that when I got it back the vacuum hose was disconnected from the wiper pump and left hanging I hooked it back up and the engine started to chug. So I took it off and it hasn't stopped chugging since; with or without the hose attached.

What now?