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

scottie, You have probably already done this, but I would also check to make sure your choke is closing. Little or no choking needed for a warm engine, but critical for starting a cold engine. Just a thought ...

(o{I}o)

Scott, I have lived in a cold climate for almost 50 years and engine block heaters are standard equipment on new cars sold up here. Most modern cars start without being "plugged in" but the older cars/ high mileage still need help. My daily driver uses both a coolant block heater and an electric battery blanket which also might help in your case. I also have a magnetic heater pad that I use to warm my snowblower but which also could be located on the engine crankcase. I agree that from my experience dip stick heaters are not very good and I haven't seen them for sale in the auto supply stores in several years. A common problem with cars not starting might also be a weak battery or one with low cold cranking amp rating or as mentioned poor connections or battery cables that are too thin.

I have seen this also happen when ignition switches are old and dirty or corroded.Run a 12awg jumper wire direct from the battery to the coil for a diagnosis.
Sounds like the starting circut is in good condition.
It starts easier with starting fluid could be a compression issue.I would check compression first.Good compression is needed for easy starting,in any weather.
Could be you need nothing more than to adjust the valves.

Guscha, when I cleaned them, they showed normal wear, for the most part. A couple showed a bit more electrode wear, but not overly so. I didn't need to re-gap them, all were properly gapped. My choke seems to be operating properly as well. Having been stationed in Alaska, I'm aware of how difficult some vehicles can be to start in cold weather. I'm going to see about getting some form of heater (other than dipstick). As I stated earlier, when the temp is warm (or if she's been running recently), she starts right up like a charm. This has, however, been a great forum thread. It seems to have "sparked" a lot of interest. (Sorry, couldn't resist adding that one!) Danke schon zu viel, mein Herr!