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Vintagecarguy

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Posts posted by Vintagecarguy

    12 Volt negative ground Alternator on a car that is all 6 volt positive ground

    in General Discussion

    Posted

    Some definitions are in order here:

     

    Generator- produces Direct Current (DC) to the electrical system and charges the battery. Sometimes there is a regulator to throtle the charge rate. The generator produces at mid to higher engine speeds

    Alternator - produces Alternating Current (AC) which is then converted to DC via a rectifier (an arrangement of diodes is common). All alternators require a regulator which can be internal or external to the unit. In some cases the rectifier is included (embedded) with the regulator. The advantage of using an alternator over the original generator is that the alternator will produce more power at the slower engine speed. 

     

    The original poster (OP) mentions the bulb getting brighter when the engine speed is raised. Sounds like the bulb was being used as a crude regulator. Its a way to divide the 12 volt alternator voltage to approx 6 volts across the bulb, leaving 6 or so for the rest of the car. This is not a good practice.

     

    Since the car is set up for 6 volts, I recommend using the original 6 volt generator configuration. Brattons model A Ford supplier offers both a 6 volt generator and a 6 volt alternator. Using the alternator would provide the best power output while sacrificing original appearance.  Nice if you plan to drive in a lot of parades when the engine speed is expected to be low or do a lot of touring and using lights at night. The answer will dictate do you want originality or are you going to drive a lot on tours and need the extra power.

     

    The OP just provided some clues. The CB radio is a 12 volt item. There are 6 volt to 12 volt inverters if its necessary to operate a 12 volt accessory. Vendors such as Brattons offer brighter bulbs in 6 volt as opposed to the 12 volt quartz (OP doesn't say which). 

    Friartuck,

    Thank you for the information. I am somewhat a purest, liking things to be as original as possible but I say that if I didn't change it I'm not going to worry about it. But when it comes to this alternator I am confused. If the alternator turns out to be a 12 volt I have to see about buying a new alternator or a good old generator.

    Thanks again, Friartuck.

    Vintagecarguy.

    12 Volt negative ground Alternator on a car that is all 6 volt positive ground

    in General Discussion

    Posted

    Thanks everyone for the information. I'm going to put a voltmeter on the alternator and see what its putting out. The car was restored 10 years ago, but I don't know how long the alternator has been on there. The car has quarts headlight bulbs and a CB radio so I guess the alternator has to be there but not a 12 volt alternator. I'm going to check and see what's going on.

    Thanks again everyone. Vintagecarguy.

    12 Volt negative ground Alternator on a car that is all 6 volt positive ground

    in General Discussion

    Posted

    My dad and I bought a 1930 Model A Ford. The head/tail lights, brake lights, and horn were not working. We started working when I noticed that the Alternator said '12V Neg' on the top and on the back I think I read Delco. But everything on the car is 6 volt, even the battery. Could someone have rewired the Alternator to be a six volt? My grandfather ran wire with a six volt bulb from the charging point on the alternator and then another wire to ground with engine running and the bulb lit up and got brighter when the idle was raised but the bulb didn't blow??? I'm confused but everyone else is either confused or says not to worry. What should I do? Thanks in advance. Vintagecarguy. 

    Babbitt Bearings and modern oils

    in General Discussion

    Posted

    All engines use babbitt bearings, the modern version is a shell bearing made of steel with a thin coat of babbitt on the inside. The old bearings were poured babbitt with a thick layer of babbitt melted directly into the connecting rod or main bearing.

     

    So, it is doubtful any modern oil will attack babbitt bearings or we would all be in trouble.

     

    There are firms like Penrite that make oils and other lubricants for the needs of the old cars.

     

    They recommend diesel oil because it has more zinc. The zinc content of motor oil has been reduced in recent years because they are afraid it will poison the catalytic converter. I don't see how that can be a problem. Maybe on an old engine that burns oil like a maniac and then the zinc will be the least of your problems.

     

    Zinc was only added to motor oil about 1950 or 51, to get over a problem some of the new OHV V8s were having with cam and lifter wear. They put heavier loads on these parts than the older engines and zinc helped reduce wear.

     

    Now that the high performance pushrod OHV engine is a thing of the past, they are taking the zinc out.

     

    A roundabout way of saying zinc was not even in oil in 1924 when your car was built.

    Rusty_OToole,

    I cannot thank you enough. I have to ask you what kind of oil would you recommend for our 1924 Oldsmobile (engine, transmission, and differential)? The car has not run for many years and although the oil is clean we would rather change it and that of course leads us to detergent or non detergent? Thank you again.

    Vintagecarguy.

    1924 Oldsmobile model 30B battery ground and other misc.

    in General Discussion

    Posted

    Hello all, we got the '24 Olds running but now we have to try and run it off of the main tank. The car was last run (an unknown amount of years ago) on the G&G vacuum tank. We are going to give the vacuum tank a try this weekend. If the vacuum tank does not work, is it okay to leave the vacuum line hooked up to the tank or is it better to close off the vacuum port at the intake manifold? Thanks in advance.

    Vintagecarguy.

    1924 Oldsmobile model 30B battery ground and other misc.

    in General Discussion

    Posted

    DO NOT put hypoid gear oil in your transmission.  The additives in the oil will eat any bronze bushings in it.  If the manual specifies engine oil, use a single grade oil - maybe 40 weight.  It is an unsychronized sliding gear type of transmission which requires double clutching for shifting.  Too heavy an oil will affect how the transmission shifts.  

     

    Terry

    Terry,

    Thank you for all of your help!

    Vintagecarguy.

    1924 Oldsmobile model 30B battery ground and other misc.

    in General Discussion

    Posted

    Why does the instruction manual say to put engine oil in the transmission? Would it be better now a days to put a heavy weight gear/transmission oil in, or would it be okay to put a heavy weight engine oil (5W40) in the transmission? just thought I'd ask as I am going through the book finding out what I can before diving in and trying to get the '24 Olds going. Thanks again to all who have helped me out!

    Vintagecarguy.

    1924 Oldsmobile model 30B battery ground

    in Oldsmobile - 1897-1985

    Posted

    Now after looking around some more, I have to ask about the spark advance. I know it is slightly out of what is normal. When I pull the spark lever all the way down (about the six o'clock position) the distributor turns counter clockwise (while sitting in the driver's seat) and when the spark lever is pushed back up (to about the three o'clock position) the distributor turns clockwise. What I do not understand is which way is the spark advanced? I remember reading somewhere that with the spark lever up the spark is advanced and with the spark lever down the spark is slowed. But because the lever has a set screw, and the car has not run in many years, I do not know if this was changed. This sounds very confusing, if I can clear anything up please let me know. Thanks in advance (no pun intended!!!),

    Vintagecarguy.

    1924 Oldsmobile model 30B battery ground and other misc.

    in General Discussion

    Posted

    Now after looking around some more, I have to ask about the spark advance. I know it is slightly out of what is normal. When I pull the spark lever all the way down (about the six o'clock position) the distributor turns counter clockwise (while sitting in the driver's seat) and when the spark lever is pushed back up (to about the three o'clock position) the distributor turns clockwise. What I do not understand is which way is the spark advanced? I remember reading somewhere that with the spark lever up the spark is advanced and with the spark lever down the spark is slowed. But because the lever has a set screw, and the car has not run in many years, I do not know if this was changed. This sounds very confusing, if I can clear anything up please let me know. Thanks in advance (no pun intended!!!),

    Vintagecarguy.

    1924 Oldsmobile model 30B battery ground

    in Oldsmobile - 1897-1985

    Posted

    If you can get hold of a Standard Catalog of American Cars 1805-1942 I think it will have the serial number info. Most vehicles back then were registered by the engine number.

     

    The Marvel carb would be worth keeping if you can't find the correct Zenith. If you find a correct carb, the Marvel was commonly used and would be an easy sale to someone else who needs one.

     

    Check with the National Antique Olds Club www.antiqueolds.org and talk with their 1924 advisor. The NAOC guys are the most knowledgeable I've found on the prewar Oldsmobiles. I admit to being very weak in my knowledge of them.

    rocketraider,

    Thank you. I have tried to contacted the National Antique Olds Club's 1923 advisor (they do not seem to have a 1924 advisor) but have not heard back from them yet. I will have to check into the book you mentioned. As for the Carburetor are there any issues with the Marvel-Schebler? I know a rebuild kit is available. Do you know if the Olds would have been positive or negative ground? Thank you again for the information.

    Vintagecarguy.

    1924 Oldsmobile model 30B battery ground and other misc.

    in General Discussion

    Posted

    Hello all, my grandfather bought a 1924 Oldsmobile Opera Coupe, it didn't come with a battery and although I know it is a six volt car, I don't know if it is positive or negative ground. Also, where is the serial number normally located? And the engine number? Another question I have, is about the kind of Carburetor we have on the car. I know the original was a Zenith but they could be replaced. The car has a Marvel-Schebler TSXU-832 Carburetor on it. Before we start digging in and getting the car running, I wanted to know if this carb was worth keeping? Any help would really be appreciated. Thanks in advance. Vintagecarguy.

    post-141808-0-42570900-1431619735_thumb.

    1924 Oldsmobile model 30B battery ground

    in Oldsmobile - 1897-1985

    Posted

    Another question I have is about the kind of Carburetor we have on the car. I know the original was a Zenith but they could be replaced. This car has a Marvel-Schebler TSXU-832 Carburetor on it. Before we start digging in and getting the car running, I wanted to know if this carb was worth keeping? Again thanks in advance. Vintagecarguy.

    Early GM cars (1936 and back) with metal wrapped wooden frames?

    in General Discussion

    Posted

    Just poke around with a screw driver, especially near any joints. Also check the roof bows by sighting along the roof line front to back and side to side. If the roof appears sunken the bows are likely bad. Bear in mind that at the factory the wood was assembled first then the sheet metal was tacked in place, with most of the fasteners being under the metal skin of the body, meaning that you can't simply replace wood without disassembling the body. There are various products said to "restore" rotted wood. We have no experience with those. If there is rot it most likely is in the "sills" that run front to back at the bottom of the body or in the roof bows. Especially check the door post to sill joints.

    Restorer32, thank you for the advice. I will definitely have to try these things out when I see the car again. Thank you. Vintagecarguy.

    Early GM cars (1936 and back) with metal wrapped wooden frames?

    in General Discussion

    Posted

    Open each door and try to lift it. Chances are the wood in the car needs at least some attention. What make car are you thinking about?

    Restorer32, Thanks for the reply. The car we're looking at is a 1924 Oldsmobile Model 30 "Opera" coupe. The exterior of the car was apparently restored in the early 1990's and it does look that way. I'll have to take a close look at the wood. How should I check the wood in the rest of the body? Is just a visual inspection okay? Thanks again. Vintagecarguy.

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