Packard Forum Index » Modification Discussion

Well if someone has Eric's (turbopacman's) email, they should let him know what works. We went over just about every available option that might make this work, with a couple people now and again every 6 months or so, and it turned out the simplest one did: Hook up the 7.5v compressor and just hope it holds shut.

What 7.5 volt compressor???? is it something now offered by some parts supplier or from some other car????

Someone dug up info showing that the clutch on a standard sanden type compressor (that almost everything uses now.) Requires 7.5v to keep the clutch engaged, even though it's a 12v setup. They can be cheap from like 50-150 new on ebay. Just pay attention to where you'll need the ports to exit on your setup.

This is a typical Sanden clutch spec. Would sure like to know if any issues with this and how much current draw at 6v.

Attach file:

---

  (18.43 KB)

ok. Thanks for the clarification.

However, using a 6v electrical system to power a 7.5v MINIMUM requiremnt accessory turns rite back to the same kind of potential problem that exists with using e-ignition for 6v systems.

Everything is just fine and works under optimal operating conditions and optimal electrical system condition. But remeber that as the ambient temperature rises (like under the hood near a hot engine on a hot day) around electrical components and they loose efficiency due to wear over 25k to 35k miles and time then the likely hood of at least intermittent failure rises dramatically.

Watching something run or perform in a parking lot or in a demonstration is one thing. Actual reasonable demand level is another.

I would be skeptical of a 7.5v minimum requirement accessory for a 6 volt system for any demands higher than subdued operation.

well, given that it doesn't draw that much current (compared to the older AC clutches), or that much more than 6v, we also found a couple very promising step up converter candidates that we really thought would work properly. Also, i know some people run 8 volt batteries in 6 volt cars, but i don't know much about that.

I did email Eric and let him know that some good came of all of our theorizing, at least people have an option now.

"potential problem that exists with using e-ignition for 6v systems"

I had (have) generator issues and at one point my car (battery and generator hooked up) only had 2.5V of power, measured across the top of the battery posts. The car was near impossible to roll over, but when it did the pertronix still sparked and the car still ran, albeit roughly.

I would think on something as small as the pertronix that it really needs like 1.5V.

The clutch is a different story. You would think it would want every bit of that 12v, but i guess not.

Some where along the line in the past 3-4 months I have lost traction with the issue of why there is secrecy about the solution if this AC problem has been solved.
Do I need to go to the PI site or the AACA archieves to read about it?
This is the way the "Beating a dead horse" thread died last August.

I think "reading about it" is the gist of why the discussion went into limbo. Don't believe there is any place to read about it. The subject had been discussed ad nauseum on several forums for years as to whether it could be done and if so, how. In all that time and to date, as far as I know there have been no other mentions of the car that has a working system & no information as to what was needed or done.

I know I was a bit miffed when first hearing of it, but on reflection, could be several reasons why no info -- maybe not entirely successful & working bugs out or maybe going to sell a kit so don't want to give details or maybe just figure everyone has to work out their own solution.

Howard,
I know talk and no action is frustrating. People today have little regard for the past efforts of the manufacturers to put AC in most every car today, Packard leading the way.
Packard handled this in 39 in cars and especially in ambulances.
The key I believe is in the clutch cut-out and I would hate to put a whole lot of brain and knuckle busting effort in something that has been solved or is not practical.

Lowell