Packard Forum Index » Project Blogs

Todd - I had no idea you could set the float that way. It should work on the EE-23 as well....the whole top half comes off. I set the float as best I could when I had it apart on the bench, but the instructions weren't great, so who knows. It's no longer wet at that upper gasket, so maybe it's all good?

Howard - The battery cables are all clean. I checked that before I hooked the battery up the first time. I should still check the resistance though, just to be sure.

The battery very well could be the issue. I had just charged it and it's showing a full charge but the battery is also probably 10+ years old, and it sat for 7 years. We refilled the cells before waking it up from dormancy. But it could just be crapped out.

Kev - I'll probably just pull the battery and take it to a parts store here in town. Harbor Freight is a solid 45 minute drive. But next time I'm down I'll probably pick one up for the odd time that it will come in handy.

-Kevin

Perhaps ok? Your manual should tell you the float level from the top. You don't want to be to low or too high, either cay can cause stalling, etc. When these cars were going to the Packard garage that is what they used to do.

Quote:

I could be off. When my brother in law took it out for a test drive last week it randomly died while cruising at about 40. Sounded like it was starving. My guess is the float level is too low and it ran out??

-Kevin

You should have a Packard owners manual to check. With modern fuels might need to be a bit different but close. In my garage have a Motors Manual that may cover you car, will check tomorrow. I think my 1939 manual also covers 1938?
Another way is to use a low psi electric fuel pump with a small 6 volt battery run a line from some gas and the other line to your carburetor inlet on a level bench and pump fuel into the carburetor bowl and measure how far from the top the float is.

Sorry to chime in late but I have found the interchange for the 37 - 39 Super Eight fan belt. details are attached if you need them. Peter Toet

Attach file:

---

37 38 fan belt interchange.pdf Size: 146.19 KB; Hits: 62

Thanks Peter for the info. According to the document, all '36 Caddy's should share the same fan belt (apparently different than the generator belt). From what I could find, that belt is the Gates TR32491.

The width is a bit less than what the document says, and the document lists inside length, whereas Gates lists outer length. However, I do think this belt will work. I will order one up and see how it fits.

-Kevin

Back from vacation, so time to dive back in. Battery tested good at test and under load. Cables are fine. Car still only clicks once. Sounds like it's coming from the solenoid.

What's next? Replace solenoid? Can a modern replacement be used or do I need to find an old rebuilt one?

Kevin

Electrically, a modern replacement could be used. The Super 8 diagram shows the starter button supplies voltage and coil is grounded to the case. It could be a matter of making a modern solenoid fit since the original hard copper buss bar connecting solenoid to motor terminal or holes in the motor frame may not be sized for modern mounting screw positions.

If your solenoid looks like the one in the photo then I have no idea what the extra flat piece that appears to be connected to the battery side terminal is doing. If that is not removable but is a part of the solenoid you have or if the solenoid is the type that mechanically moves the pinion in and out then the modern will not work and you would need to find a rebuilt or NOS.

Here are Cole Hersee 6v replacement solenoids which are or an equivalent is available in many parts stores or on ebay. Difference between the two is mounting.

Attach file:

---

  Super 8 diagram.jpg (37.04 KB)


  Cole Hersee.jpg (64.25 KB)


  38 solenoid.jpg (53.18 KB)

Thanks Howard. The car has been converted to 12V, do I still use a 6V solenoid on the starter?

For reference, here is what mine looks like. Very similar to the replacement you showed.

Attach file:

---

  20230327_130234.jpg (130.78 KB)

Quote:
No, you will want the 12v version and almost any parts store should have their house brand standard 3 terminal starter solenoid. Here are the Cole Hersee versions.

Attach file:

---

  cole 2.jpg (27.17 KB)


  cole.jpg (55.16 KB)