1938 LaSalle Production - GM Heritage Center

keeps the battery at its peak load without danger of
over-charging. This insures longer battery life.
The Fleetwood has a Peak Load Generator which
has both the ability to regulate voltage and control
current throughout the speed range. The current control
maintains a constant high rate of 26 amperes at all
speeds above 20 miles per hour if the battery is low
and if a large number of electrical accessories are in use.
The generator on all models is accessibly located in
the engine V directly behind the fan and is driven by a
belt which also drives the water pump. It is air-cooled
both as a result of its location and by its own fan built
into the generator pulley which reduces its operating
temperature and prolongs its life.
Solenoid
Starter
The starter button on the instrument panel engages the
solenoid which acts as a magnet to cause a positive
engagement of the starter pinion with the flywheel
before the starter itself operates. This action relieves
the starter gears of all shock loads and provides long
life with quiet operation.
As a safety feature, starter engagement cannot be
made unless the ignition switch is on.
Headlighting
System
Cadillac was the first to develop the three-beam asymmetrical
type of safe headlighting. Some makes of cars
still retain the old-fashioned two-beam system.
Double filament bulbs are used which permit the
right hand headlamp to throw its beams low and across
the full width of the road and the left hand headlamp
to illuminate the right hand road edge and ditch. This
superior method of driving and passing beam design
prevents glare to the oncoming driver yet assures
adequate illumination.
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