Re: Engine dies when headlights are turned on

Posted by Mark Buckley On 2011/11/26 7:48:22

I had a similar problem recently with my 1950 Standard Eight. I believe I solved it somewhat by accident.

My generator seemed quite weak and was making a slight rattling sound, so I sprayed some LPS lubricant on the front end. In so doing I sprayed grime off an oil port. This port has a spring-loaded cap on the generator's forward left side. I checked the manual and saw you're supposed to put 20-weight oil in there. I'd never noticed the port before and have no idea how long it's been since anyone's oiled it.

So I squirted in some 20-wt the and the result was immediate. The generator started cranking out more power and provided the power more uniformly--i.e. with less flickering.

My mechanic, Jerry, thinks I'm full of baloney. He thinks that what really happened was that the lubricant spray cleaned up the commutator. He may be right, but I do know the car is running a lot better now!