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

Quote:

The thought had crossed my mind, as the Auto-Lite seems strong. I should have done some research before getting my Delco rebuilt. My Cavalier is all Delco, so my thought was I would keep it all Delco.

I like the clutch system on the Auto-Lite better, but there's nothing wrong with a properly functioning Bendix.

BUT, now that I look at the starter specifications in the service manual, there is a reason that the Auto-lite seems strong. The "stalled torque ft. lbs." on the Delco are 16, but on both Auto-Lite models (one has the clutch and one has a Bendix) the stalled torque ft. lbs. are 25.




I think I'll be keeping the Auto-lite in the car! But I will take my rebuilt starter back to the shop and see if they can sort out what the trouble is.

Without comparing all the specs, I believe for the most part until maybe the 53-4 models Packard used all Autolite -- starter, generator, regulator, distributor and coil on the higher end models with larger engines and all Delco on the lower end and smaller engines. This definitely changed with the 55 V8s but maybe the switch started to happen a year or so earlier with Delco on the higher end Packard models and Autolite on the Clippers.

PMCC always tried to have multiple suppliers were possible in the event of supply issue.