Re: Stewart's 1955 Packard 400
Posted by HH56 On 2016/1/28 22:32:43
I guess I am still questioning what control switch you are using. As mentioned, the original bimetal type is not polarity sensitive as evidenced by Packard placing the 56 switch on 55s. Is the cover of the new switch riveted on or just held with screws and nuts? If just screws it would be easy to remove the cover and verify what type you have.
If it is a solid state rework and polarity specific, a 56 switch should work on negative ground. If it is a 55 style reworked switch then positive ground. Whether they are polarity specific is the big question. If they are the vendors should at least put some kind of sticker on the box or indicate in paperwork. So far no one knows or has wanted to answer the question. I know it has been asked a couple of times on the forum. If they are not polarity specific then it should work either way.
It is possible the switch is working but the test is inconclusive because the meter is reading across something internal. It may test better with a load so you could use one of those new solenoids to test it without mounting anything up. Polarity doesn't care on the solenoids and would be a good load for the purpose.
You would connect the battery ground to frame as per normal. Connect the center terminal of the control switch and the solenoid small terminal to the hot lead of battery. Let the solenoid hang so it doesn't touch the frame and use a clip lead or length of wire to connect one of the direction terminals on the control switch to the solenoid case. Move the lever one way or the other and wait for the time delay. In one direction of the lever, the solenoid should energize. Move the clip lead to the other direction terminal and move the lever the opposite direction to test again.
Just for grins, in case you hadn't seen it here is what the bimetal switch looks like internally.
Attach file:
(125.71 KB)
If it is a solid state rework and polarity specific, a 56 switch should work on negative ground. If it is a 55 style reworked switch then positive ground. Whether they are polarity specific is the big question. If they are the vendors should at least put some kind of sticker on the box or indicate in paperwork. So far no one knows or has wanted to answer the question. I know it has been asked a couple of times on the forum. If they are not polarity specific then it should work either way.
It is possible the switch is working but the test is inconclusive because the meter is reading across something internal. It may test better with a load so you could use one of those new solenoids to test it without mounting anything up. Polarity doesn't care on the solenoids and would be a good load for the purpose.
You would connect the battery ground to frame as per normal. Connect the center terminal of the control switch and the solenoid small terminal to the hot lead of battery. Let the solenoid hang so it doesn't touch the frame and use a clip lead or length of wire to connect one of the direction terminals on the control switch to the solenoid case. Move the lever one way or the other and wait for the time delay. In one direction of the lever, the solenoid should energize. Move the clip lead to the other direction terminal and move the lever the opposite direction to test again.
Just for grins, in case you hadn't seen it here is what the bimetal switch looks like internally.
Attach file:
(125.71 KB)
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