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

Howard hit what I was thinking. The alternator doesn't do anything for starting. If the engine doesn't turn at all when then key is turned, then the starter motor is not getting any voltage. I've had that problem with bad connections on the battery cables (positive and negative). New cables solved it.

I've also had overheated coils and it kills the engine. Usually takes a few minutes for it to cool down enough to start the car again. But the engine will crank with a hot coil, it just doesn't run.

So if the engine doesn't crank at all I would investigate battery cables and connections to make sure everything is good. If the engine cranks then maybe coil, points, condenser, or as Howard said the overdrive could be part of it.

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Are you determining that the battery is "holding the charge" by measuring the voltage?
Load testing the battery will provide information on the amount of power the battery is capable of delivering.
If you don't have a load tester, many auto parts stores will test the battery for you.

The battery was in an unknown, but ok, condition to begin.
The alternator was not working, we don't know how long that was the case.
The car started (draining the battery) and drove 10 miles (draining the battery).
The car would not start. Insufficient battery power.
Jumper cables were attached thus providing a "fully" charged battery.
The car started using power for the other car's battery.
The car drove about a mile and a half (draining the battery) then quit.
The car would not start.
The jump and drive to failure cycle was repeated six more times.

To me, that sounds like you were driving using the battery, without it being charged, until the battery could no longer run the car. When jumped, the car was started using the external battery which also put a mile and a half worth of power into the battery before its was disconnected.

Load test the battery to see if it is still good. Or you could test your charged battery by trying to start the car. If it starts, go for a drive. Of course with your jumper car following. Try the round trip to work.

I had a case of a failed alternator, where I fully charged the known good battery and drove a four cylinder engined car 200 miles without incident.

Of course, getting the charging system working and checking for current drains would be next on the list.

A car battery can be too depleted or deteriorated to operate a pea bulb, and still show 12volts on a voltmeter with no load. Showing 12 volts at no load on a test meter is a long way from showing 10 volts with a 200 amp starter load applied.

You can buy a battery load tester at HF pretty cheaply. It simulates a starting load on a battery.

Sorry late with the reply - wiring shop gave up. There is a Packard expert here in Maize, KS. I had him call them and try to help them out, they informed him they really didn't want to work on the car!LOL So, I will give Allen time to clear a spot and get it to his care. This has also convinced me to just go back to 6V. Thank you for all the support you guys gave. I appreciate the knowledge! The place also said the battery is recharged, but they confirmed the car was running on the battery only. Thanks again folks! Also considering installing Petronix like my Patrician. Have a good weekend everyone!

The Pertronix seems to work well on 12v cars but on 6v cars it has been found to be somewhat hit or miss - particularly when starting the engine because of the large starter motor demand on the battery at the same time the engine needs a good strong spark..

12v systems have a lot of wiggle room but with a 6v system, there is not much room for any drop in voltage going to the unit. As long as the primary wiring is in good shape with good clean and tight connections so the Pertronix has a solid input voltage then it seems to work with few complaints. If some condition causes the voltage to drop then the spark seems to become somewhat erratic. Quite a few have removed the 6v Pertronix conversions and went back to points because of that issue.

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Allen is a great guy. Tell him I said hi!

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I've always said: 6v + Petronics = Tow Truck (at some point)