Re: Let's discuss Packard 6V electrical systems and the change to 12V systems

Posted by Peter Packard On 2008/6/21 7:49:18

I believe that the SAE article was in the vein of "the case for 12V "or similar. Please bear with me as I get the chance to dig it out. On resistors in 12V ignition systems, the resistor operates after the vehicle engine is started. The system usually has an 8V coil and when you operate the starter the 8V coil is used to give full ignition voltage during the reduced battery voltage cranking period. Once started the coil operates the ignition system at a reduced (8V) voltage using the ballast resistor. Most of these coils have a notice to say that they must be operated with a ballast resistor. I am confident that the early 12V systems used a single battery but I shall find out. Best regards. Peter Toet