Re: Pertronix in 6v cars

Posted by Owen_Dyneto On 2010/3/31 10:25:45

A normally charged and idle 6-volt battery should have about 6.6 volts at typical room temperatures. Using data provided by Delco and AutoLite for starters in the late 6-volt era, energizing a starter motor against a "locked" engine draws around 800-900 amps and drops battery voltage to about 4.5 volts. Thus I wouldn't be at all surprised that in cold conditions, perhaps exaggerated with heavy oil, a battery voltage would drop during cranking to perhaps as low as 5 volts.

Personally, I rather enjoy the job of periodically removing the distributor, checking the bushings and advance mechanisms, lubricating where needed, and installing new points & condensor. I agree with Packard V8 and to paraphrase him, when I can no longer do this, it's time to take a taxi.