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I got tired of removing the negative ground off/on (yes I converted from positive ground) and decided to use this switch I bought years ago. Seems to work fine. Anybody potential problems anyone by using this systems?

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Here is a discussion from last year.packardinfo.com/xoops/html/modules/newbb ... ic.php?post_id=33669#forumpost33669 My take on the basic comments are NG for 6V sytems, maybe OK for 12v but cable clearance to the hold down could be an issue if installed on hot wire. Believe I remember another thread where the owner said a similar type switch came apart.

I use one similar to that except that mine is a bit heavier and the knob is black. Been using it for over 12 years. Only recently did the knob come off. Used some cement to put it back on.

Need to make sure that knob is TIGHT when car is in operation. Mine loosened up one time and the engine died at idle with heavy electrical load. Knob was only moderatly snug and had loosened up a little more than desireable.

Make sure the battery cables are secured away from any pulleys,belts or fans. Make sure the positive cable doesn't vibrate or pinch against anything.

Also make sure that hte ground cable is attached to the ENGINE and not the frame. There should be a seperate smaller ground strap that runs from the right rear of the engine to the firewall. As far as i know Packard used no seperate engine to frame ground strap like some manufacturers did.

I also use a black handled one that actually comes apart so that the cable is removed from the post. It is heavy enough to work well with 6 Volt systems.

The only issue I had was needing to put some insulating tape on the battery hold-down frame near the shut off switch. Occasionally, as I would take it off, it would drop down before it was fully disconnected and spark. Insulation and holding it up carefully until fully disconnected solved that problem.

DanL

I would recommend that folks install the battery cut-off switch on the ground terminal as Kevin did. I dont understand why some folks think it has to be on th feed between the battery and starter. Much simpler to put in on the ground leg. Also then you wont have to worry about it shorting to the battery retainer.

The + post is usualy larger diameter than the - post. My cut off would not fit the - post, too loose. OEM battery retainer would not fit the modern battery. I used a home brew battery retainer that holds the battery transversely instead of around the perimeter of the battery.

Nonetheless, if possible it IS better to put it on the ground post if convenient. Sometimes depending on application it is not conveneient.

My black knob disconnect is different from the green knob in the first pics above. On my black knob cutoff the battery cable TERMINAL is removed and stranded end of the cable is clamped directly to the black knob half of the cut off switch.

After looking at the green disconnect it is easy to see that the CABLE TERMINAL could very easily touch the battery hold down.

Take a look at the feed cable in the following pic:

packardinfo.com/xoops/html/uploads/newbb/23_49e4fe69281d0.jpg

I'm guessing that car is as factory original and correct as they come. The feed cable very close to battery hold-down is not uncommon among many applications over the years. Does not make it correct from an eng'ring stand point, true.
Not uncommon either.