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

We have a 1951 250 2 door coupe with a 288 and Ultramatic. The 288 was rebuilt by a reputable shop in town and the ultramatic was rebuilt by another reputable transmission shop. Both work very well but there is this ongoing issue with a noise that almost sounds like a hung up starter bendix at times just contacting the ring gear. The starter has been out many times, checked, new proper p/n bendix reinstalled. Starter works great but noise persists. Not always there on start up but can be made to appear by making the engine work as in accelerating on highway. And then when backing off the throttle it will usually go away. It is not a grinding noise but more like a piece of tin hitting the ring gear although I don't know if that is the case. Very aggravating. Wondering if something was missed when the engine and transmission were mated and something is moving (torque converter?). If nothing else I am going to pull the transmission and take a look later this fall.

Remove one of the two wires on the starter switch on the carb and see if the problem goes away. I am guessing your starter is engaging.

If that solves the problem, remove the starter switch housing from the carb. Pull out the actuating plunger from the carb body and turn it so the notch is UP. Replace and drive happily off into the sunset.

There is nothing in the convertor or its housing to make such a noise as you describe.

Wish it was that simple. This car has been modified and does not use the vacuum switch on the carb. It uses a push button for the starter. It is definitely not the starter trying to engage. Heard that more than a few times and that is nasty.This is just a light tinging noise that comes and goes, has everyone baffled.Have reworked the starter several times, tried shimming it out a bit from the bellhousing, tried different starter from another 288, no difference.

A bit of a long shot, but are you sure the sound you describe is not simple spark knock from too advanced an ignition timing? That sound could come on as you get on the throttle and go away when backing off the throttle - it can sound a bit like marbles ratting around in a tin can and this isn't too far from what you describe. Why not just check the ignition timing first before you get any further into other possibilities.

Noise could be Bendix not being thrown completely out of mesh on starting. Start engine then take out starter motor with engine running, this will eliminate starter mesh as possible cause, easy on a Packard, not on a modern car. Good luck PT

Believe me I have been up and down and around on finding this noise. It is not timing for sure. Sometimes it will make itself heard as soon as the starter is released which leads one to believe the starter drive has not completely disengaged. It is not a grinding sound. Other times it is fine but I have noticed that by making the engine work hard I can make this noise come to life and then by backing off it will go away. The only thing I have not done is pull the starter and try running it. Thought about it but have not tried it yet. I have swapped starters out on another engine and the starters seem to work fine on the other car. No noise.