Re: What next? Starter?

Posted by Fish'n Jim On 2014/9/21 20:43:28

Point of Safety - check everything before you energize any circuits. Adding larger supply cables to an unknown issue invites bigger consequences.
Yeah, it's low voltage but high amperage and that's what kills you / does damage. Popping fuses and sparking is not considered good electrical troubleshooting and in some electrical classifications will cause major harm.
First check everything is properly connected and in good condition per wiring diagram. With a meter, check for continuity and amp draw. This may require removal and sending to a shop if not equipped. After all the circuits have been "rung out" then energize the system. You can disconnect non essentials just make sure they're taped off / out of harm.
Before you continue, I'd check the voltage regulator(VR) and generator circuit.
The lights are on a separate circuit and don't directly impact the starter circuit.
What I'm thinking is the VR senses the voltage drop from the starter draw and closes, as normal, but opens to a fault. Either the generator, wires, or the VR could contain the fault. This was held out in some systems until the motor started, but I don't recall seeing that in the Packard wiring diagram.