Re: BigKev's 1954 Packard Clipper Deluxe Sedan
Posted by Mr.Pushbutton On 2010/9/15 23:21:16
Quote:
The solenoid armature sort of gets a quarter to third of a circle kick. As it nears the wound down end, there is a snap action contact that makes and as soon as armature moves a few degrees to wind, the contact opens again until the next cycle. The common problem is when the battery gets low or the lube dries, the solenoid does not have enough power and can't kick the armature enough to snap the contacts back open. That is usually when the fuse blows or the solenoid burns out. The contacts can also get pitted and stick causing the same.
Just read this--great description HH, as usual. If I may explain a little further, as the voltage in the battery declines from sitting the solenoid coil in the clock still tries to do the same amount of work and not having enough voltage will try to make up the difference with current (amps)and this is where the trouble comes in. The excessive current burns (pits) the contact points, or as Howard describes, they may stick together and then you have problems. It is best to disconnect the battery in the car if it is to sit for any period of time of inactivity (for many reasons, the clock being but one) and just deal with re-setting the clock when you use the car. Perhaps those Battery tenders prevent this from happening, I don't have first hand experience with those.
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