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

I rebuilt the engine in the 51 200 last winter, and it was running very well. However, in driving the car to the upholstery shop last week, it sputtered and coughed and barely made it back home. I had just installed some "new old/very old stock" spark plug wires so I concluded this was the problem. So I replaced them with new copper core ones. Somewhat better; the car would idle ok, but still spit and missed when I gave it some gas. Checked the head nuts for torque - all ok there. I then tightened the carb/manifold nuts, which were a bit loose. I noted a rubber hose hanging down in between the carb and the fender well - it was the vacumn line from the manifold to the wipers! Put it back on and the mystery was solved.

Got a good laugh at myself. The moral is always check the easy things first.

Ha! Good thing to note, David. I'll keep that in mind.

Are you really really sure it wasn't from modern gas or vapor lock?? I'd quadruple check it if I were someone else.

Pretty sure it wasn't vapor lock, since it was about 50 degrees out. Since the miss went away when I hooked up the vacumn line, I'm pretty sure it wasn't the gas.

Try puting a few clothespins on the antenna

I think Fred is just pulling your leg here. You've already found the source of your issue.