From the Rolls-Royce experimental archive: a quarter of a million communications from Rolls-Royce, 1906 to 1960's. Documents from the Sir Henry Royce Memorial Foundation (SHRMF).
History and performance report on Lucas ER6 Magnetos, models 51 and 54B.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 40\2\ Scan217 | |
| Date | 28th June 1927 | |
| WC.27. 28th June, 1927. HISTORY OF LUCAS ER6 MAGNETOS NOS.51 and 54B. No.51. This magneto was received from Messrs. Lucas on 21.4.26 and was first of all tested on the bench completely to our general schedule of performance. It was then placed on an engine on test with our auto ignition oil relay advance mechanism and then on 19.5.26 fitted to a chassis for a 10,000 mile test in France. After a mileage of 17856 miles the magneto failed and was returned on 1.10.26 to the lab. The reports received from our tester after 6000 miles and 10,000 miles respectively, together with our own laboratory reports WB.{Mr Brazier/Mr Bell}107 and 101 are as follows :- "CWH1/LP{Mr Lappin}19.8.26. Lucas magneto ER6-51A. The drive has remained in good condition. The magneto is quiet and controls are free from pulsation. We are not satisfied however with the magneto. The following points will have to be brought to a better standard before it is suitable for cars. The magneto failed altogether at a mileage of 1538 due to its contact breaker seizing in its bearing. Since then it has been missing fire at high speed. At 3000 miles the distributor brush behind the contact breaker was found broken, the distributor was burned black on three alternative segments the brush shewing wear. At 6000 miles it became necessary to change the H.T. carbon brush. This had worn down .125" leaving a very little pressure on the segments. Its appearance shews it to have been burning. We also get a difference of .005" between the contact points on the opposite breaks which is a cause of poor slow running. The segments of the distributor require cleaning and polishing every 500 miles. We are sending the worn carbon brush for Mr. Clark's inspection. It would be interesting to know whether the spring pressure is lighter than in the Watford. It appears to be so." "CWH2/FP{F. Potts}23.8.26. Lucas magneto No.326-ER.6. 51A. The magneto has given further trouble, the chief cause being that the distributor gets in a dirty condition quickly, causing misfires. The brush fitted at 6000 miles shews signs of burning and wear. The condition of contact points is fairly good, they do not shew very much deterioration and are making good contact." Contd. | ||