Cadillac 54-6219 1954 Shop Manual page 394

16-C-39
RADIO
An inoperative or inefficient static collector
may cause a crackling noise in the radio when the
car is in motion. This noise will stop when the
brakes are applied or the car is brought to a stop.
Location, and possible reasons for inoperative
static collectors are as follows:
Front Wheels
Front wheel static collectors consist of helical
coil copper inserts installed between the steering
knuckle and the front hub grease cap. The areas
against which they are grounded must he free of
grease or oil to assure proper operation. Also,
care must be taken when installing the front wheel
to bend the steering knuckle nut cotter key around
the shaft, rather than over the end of the shaft, to
prevent the static collector from catching on the
cotter key end and breaking.
Rear Wheels
Rear wheel static collectors are an integralpart
of the rear brake oil drainhield. Their only service
failure would be due to poor contact caused by oil
leakage past the rear axle shaft oil seal.
b. Ignition Suppressors
Various types of ignition suppressors are used
on 1954 Cadillac cars. In general, they all serve
the same purpose, to eliminate spark noise from
interfering with radio reception. Failure of any of
these parts to function properly is accompanied by
a "popping" noise. The noise increases as the en
gine is speeded up, varying with engine speed. If
this interference is present, the suppressors should
be checked in the following order:
Engine Ground Straps
Two ground straps, one from each cylinder head
to cowl, should be checked for breaks and proper
ground contact.
Hood Ground Clips
There are two hood ground clips located on the
left fender near the vacuum antenna. Check for
proper ground contact or replace if missing.
Coil Condenser
Mounted on outside of coil. Replace if necessary.
Distributor Rotor Suppressor
Built into distributor rotor. Replace rotor if
necessary.
c. Generator-Regulator Condenser
A condenser mounted on the outside of the genera
-
tor prevents generator
-
regulator operation from
interfering with radio reception. Acracklingnoise,
beginning at the time the regulator begins
to
con
trol generator output, is an indication of condenser
trouble. The noise does not occur at engine idle.
To correct the condition, replace the condenser.
DIAGNOSIS OF MINOR RADIO TROUBLES
Antenna not extended.
Local interference.
Station signal weak.
Extend antenna.
Explain to owner.
Explain to owner
TROUBLE CAUSE REMEDY
Dead
Blown Fuse.
Dead vibrator
Antenna open or shorted.
Dead tube.
}kor ground
Rwer supply to radio open.
Check fuse. See Note 3a.
Check vibrators. See Note 3b.
Check antenna. See Note 3c.
Check tubes. See Note 3d.
Check all ground connections.
Check connections at switch.
Weak Antenna not extended.
Station too weak.
Antenna trimmer not adjusted.
Antenna open, shorted.
Weak tube.
Worn vibrator.
Low battery.
Poor ground.
Poor antenna connection.
Extend antenna.
Inform owner.
Adjust trimmer. See Note 3e.
Test antenna. See Note Sc.
Test tubes, See Note 3d,
Replace vibrator. See Note 3b.
Charge battery.
Check ground connections.
Push leads firmly together.
Noisy