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).
Recent and alarming failures of dynamos on 20-HP cars.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 51\1\ Scan157 | |
| Date | 7th June 1923 | |
| X.4383 BY. {R.W. Bailey - Chief Engineer} c. to EFC. {E. Fowler Clarke - Electrical Engineer} c. to Hs. {Lord Ernest Hives - Chair} c. to Sft. {Mr Swift} EP {G. Eric Platford - Chief Quality Engineer} 2/H7.6.23. X.4383 re. 20-HP. DYNAMO FAILURES. We are now getting 20-HP cars into customers' hands, and regret to report that during the last week, we have had two absolute dynamo failures which have taken place on cars in customers' hands. We have had a certain amount of trouble with these dynamos while on test, but at the same time we can definitely say that before the chassis left the dynamos were functioning satisfactorily. One of our chief troubles on test has been the question of noise, which Mr. Brock fully appreciates. As a matter of fact he does not appear to have any confidence in the dynamos he is supplying. It would appear, therefore, that the matter requires taking up very seriously, as we should at least be able to feel that the Works are turning out satisfactory units. The failure of the first dynamo above referred to, we found was due to the control pushrod having stuck in the brush holder. This was returned to Mr. Brock. The second failure appears to be due to the armature overheating and the solder being flung out. This dynamo we have also returned to Mr. Brock. It would certainly appear that this question requires general investigation, and as far as possible I have given you what information I can. Mr. Brock and EFC. {E. Fowler Clarke - Electrical Engineer} should be able to give you more details. It certainly seems alarming that we should now be launching the 20-HP car and yet be experiencing this dynamo failure, apart from the considerable trouble we have on test to get them satisfactory, and apparently the considerable trouble the Works have in producing what they consider should be done. units they have no confidence in. EP. {G. Eric Platford - Chief Quality Engineer} | ||