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

Also, i wouldn't rely on dry just out of storage compression readings. Once you get it running and if it's OK, take it on a nice 5 or 10 mile drive. Park it and let it sit over night and check compression again. That'd be a more fair comparison to what dealer would have done back in the day than a dry sticky motor fresh out of storage. I'd be willing to bet your pressures would be a lot more even.

No self respecting mechanic would tow a car to get it started. Besides being a potentially very dangerous practice, you'll never find it in a factory or Motors Manual. It's the equivalent of using a 5 pound sledge hammer on a voltage regulator.

If a car is flooded and the cylinders have fuel in them, take the plugs out and let it sit. Fuel puddled in the manifold, prop open the choke and throttle plates and let it sit. IN a BIG hurry, use a blowtorch or better yet dynamite.

Go through diagnostic procedures as outlined in a service manual. Much wisdom to be found there. Cars are logical animals, treat them as such.

I just did what I probably should have done in the first place. I removed the carb and disassembled it and thoroughly cleaned it. I removed the intake and exhaust manifolds and cleaned them also. I got them all back together and - shockingly - the ole'gal started right up. And I mean RIGHT UP. It purrs like a kitten. We're going out for a drive on Sunday. Thanks to all for the advice. TIM