1938 Cadillac V16 - GM Heritage Center

the generator and its driving wheel may be raised or
lowered tq adjust the frictional contact between the
generator driving wheel and the rubber ring.
The solenoid operated starter is of the six pole type
and is operated directly instead of through reduction
gearing as in the past.
ignition System
The Sixteen electrical system is most unusual in that
two distributors are used. The left distributor makes
and breaks the current for the two iron clad coils and
both cylinder blocks and distributes high tension current
to the left hand block. The right hand unit distributes
high tension current for the right block only.
As viewed from above, the left hand distributor rotates
clockwise while the right hand distributor rotates
counter-clockwise. The two coils are mounted above
the distributors on the radiator thermostat housing.
The coils are held together by a die-cast base into
which the coil lock passes. High tension ignition wiring
from the distributors to the 14 mm. spark plugs is
concealed and protected by metal conduits.
Circuit Breaker
The entire electrical system is protected against short
circuits by a thermostatic circuit breaker. This breaker
operates from heat generated by any current overload.
After breaking the circuit and as soon as the system
cools to normal temperature, it closes again, making
the electrical system complete.
CLUTCH
The clutch is of 11½ inch single dry plate semicentrifugal
design. It is larger in size and capacity,
but basically similar in design to the Cadillac V-8
• 222»
REVISED 12-13-37