Re: The Duchess Project: 1940 Super 8 Convertible Sedan

Posted by Joe Santana On 2019/6/3 7:17:34

MAIN HEATER: I finally have all the parts back to replace my current heater and have a restored backup. I acquired three 2-speed heater/2-speed defroster paddle switches and one rotary version in the process, and these are being repaired with new resistors. The bi-directional motor was rebuilt with a new harness.

UNDERSEAT HEATER: Restoration of this heater is proceeding well thanks to Howard (HH56). He found in the 1940 Databook that the underseat heater, the Dual Stream, was introduced in 1940 and was positioned under the front passenger seat because the battery is under the driver's. On Clippers and subsequent years, the Dual Stream was under the driver's seat. The single direction motor was rebuilt. I found an aftermarket 6V 2-speed switch for it.

The heater cores for both heaters have been cleaned, repaired and pressure tested. When everything is done, I'll take photos before final assembly and post some installation photos. I also reproduced the Packard Dual Stream label.

STARTER CIRCUIT: Last Friday after buying some 5/8 heater hose at the local NAPA store, when I pushed the starter button, nothing happened. I mean, not a sound and no movement on the ammeter. This had happened to me a year ago and it was because one of the wires on the starter button was loose. Back then I managed to reach under and feel my way to getting it touching again enough to start the car. When I got home, I pulled the center dash off to expose it and attached those wires very securely. Last Friday was a hot day and nothing I could feel was loose. I called AAA. Because of rush hour and because I needed a flatbed, the dispatcher estimated over an hour wait. I therefore proceeded to pull the center dash while waiting.

Essentially this involved pulling out the ashtray, the knobs and nuts for the radio control box, and loosening the nuts holding the center plastic plate accessible by reaching in through the ashtray hole. I pushed the radio back and up out of the way to inspect the switch. The wires were secure. I'm working with a 'new' harness from Harnesses Unlimited, so nothing is frayed.

I opened the bonnet, and checked and wiggled wires to the starter, voltage regulator and coil, and like many before me chalked it up to either a faulty ignition switch or the old original style coil on a hot day after running many errands.

Then I realized, it wasn't the coil or the ignition switch because when I pressed the starter button without the ignition on, nothing happened. And there was no click from the starter solenoid trying, but unable, to engage.

God bless the AAA arriving in 30 minutes and darn you Duchess. She started just as the driver arrived. He followed me home to be sure I made it.

I decided it must be that my original starter button is going on the fritz after 430K miles. (The flackmaster is sending a replacement.)

But I'm wondering now, if the solenoid is going bad, might it not make any sound at all? Any time it ever went out before, it at least clicked.

I made sure the button wires were secure and reassembled the dash. Something is obviously loose or going out. But I wondered if it's possible for the starter solenoid to not make Any noise at all when power is applied to it.