Inliners International Forums General Discussion Engines Packard Straight 8

A buddy of mine just picked up a 1953 Packard with straight 8. The car has sat for awhile, but as all car salesmen say, it ran when parked. I told him to squirt in some WD40 in the cylinders, and give it a go. Now he tells me that he cant figure out how to engage the starter. It has a soliniod type starter, but the key isnt activating it. Dos this car has a button start? I have heard of a car that the key was turned on, and the motor would start by pushing the gas pedal, is that true? What type of hop up parts are around for this motor? Is it worth hop-up parts?

Buicks had a accelerator-pedal activated starter. Not sure about Packard.

My 50 Chevy has a button on the dash. Put the key in the on position, and push the button. Same deal with my 48, except you push a pedal on the floor which directly engages the starter.

Is there a button on the dash?

I talked to a friend with a 48 Packard. Like the Chevy, you turn the key on, then push the starter button in the dash. I'm not sure if they werre still doing that in 53, but Chevy still was.

L@@k under the floor mat & see if there's a button near the clutch pedel. I vaguely remember that you depressed the clutch all the way and it activated the starter.

If It's an automatic; pull the shift lever toward the steering wheel in neutral.

If you still can't find it I'll look it up.

Good luck.

We had a 53 Packard when I was a kid. It had the starter button under the accelerator. Just push down all the way. I remember my dad put a starter button on the dash because he had trouble with the original one. Joe

Yeah, that's it.

Thanks, Joe.

Thanks for the help. We got the motor put back together almost enought to start looking for the starter button.I will keep everyone updated. This car is really cool and straight.

I tried to look under the floor mat, but couldnt find a button. I have pushed and poked every little thing that looks like it could start the motor. I am so confused. It is defenatly not on the carb, or floor. Any more suggestions?

Ok we got it to turn over. I still dont know what activates the Starter solinoid, but pushing the gas peddle to the floor turns it over. Thanks Guys.