Packard Forum Index » Post-War (1946-54)

Hi I just checked the charging voltage on my 51 deluxe 200 and it seems high. When I check with multi-meter and the car running it's showing 8 volts. If this is to high what should it be? Thanks

Adjustment procedure is on page 5 in the electrical section of 51-4 service manual and should be set at 7.2-7.4 volts. Possibly someone had installed an 8v battery at some time and the regulator was adjusted high -- although 8v is a bit low for that battery.

Thanks Howard will charging at 8 volts hurt anything?

In addition to shorter life for bulbs etc, it is not ideal for the battery since it is being overcharged which usually results in excess heat and fast depletion of the electrolyte. A hot case is probably the most noticeable symptom on a modern "maintenance free" battery but if a battery is hot to the touch, internal damage is being done and I would reduce the voltage to the appropriate range.

In the old days on batteries with removable caps a symptom of overcharging was the need to add water frequently. With a modern battery the symptom is not as easily seen but still an issue. In addition to the excess heat possibly melting a plastic something inside the modern case, the gasses produced by the hot electrolyte are more confined and could become concentrated and dangerous.