Re: Using 12 volts only for "starting" purposes

Posted by Fred Puhn On 2009/10/26 14:27:27

I just want to offer my recent experience with my 1950 Packard over the 6 months I have owned it. When I first got the car it acted like my 1934 Nash and my 1935 Diamond T when starting. It would crank very slowly, turn quite a few revolutions, and eventually fire. It had me concerned and starting to think about 8 volt batteries, 12 volt conversions, etc.

Since that time I havbe cleaned off the battery cable terminals, verified the cables are thick ones designed for 6 volts, ground the valves, replaced the rings, and replaced everything in the ignition from the coil to the head with new parts. Now I turn on the key, pump the accelerator lightly a few strokes (only when cold) and push down to engage the starter under the gas pedal. It cranks one or 2 revolutions and fires instantly just like my 12 volt cars! from this experience I think a six volt system can work just fine if everything is in top shape.