Re: 1940 Packard 180

Posted by HH56 On 2019/6/7 11:56:40

I would say the generator is not working. Perhaps it was never calibrated to charge the 8v battery or it has actually got a problem. I would still verify the polarity and repolarize when you install the battery again. When the engine is running at a fast idle measure the voltage at the battery. In a properly working charging system the generator should be delivering roughly 1 volt above the standing battery voltage. On a 6.3v battery the generator typically is adjusted to put out between 7 to 7.4v so on an 8v it should be supplying in the neighborhood of 9v. If the battery is measuring 8v or lower because it is discharging you could either put in a 6v battery and see if everything worked or take the car to a shop that has the proper instruments and have it checked. It could be adjustment or could be an actual failure.

An old school electrical shop would be best but maybe you can find an old timer at one of the modern garages that has actually seen a generator and can work on them. Too many of the modern places anymore just seem to have a young guy who plugs in a fancy computer that says the charging system is OK or not and has no idea what to do if the car isn't listed in some book that can tell him what to do next or replace.