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).
Issues with the starter motor and switch unit on vehicle 18-EX in France.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 64\4\ scan0155 | |
| Date | 28th December 1928 | |
| X-7633 Extract from FJA1/C. 28.12.28. X.7780 X7625 STARTER MOTOR ON 18-EX IN FRANCE As has been reported, the main spring on motor N was too weak, causing failure to return to the fully disengaged position for a second attempt at starting if the first was unsuccessful. The motor has been replaced by motor R in the condition as sent out, i.e. with stronger main spring than that in motor N and a pinion spring with practically zero set. No objection to the latter feature has yet transpired and the motor usually engages correctly, but sometimes requires two or more presses of the button to engage. The thump on return after starting is, as expecte, somewhat heavy. Mileage reading on fitting motor R.{Sir Henry Royce} 6242. One bush on motor N. was found with a large piece broken out as sketch - the part having disappeared. It was most probably an initially faulty brush; the others were found in fairly good condition. On removal this motor was heavily caked with mud and a quantity of mud had run up through the drain slot into the end cover. Motor R has been fitted with a small piece of rag plugged into the ma drain slot to prevent this. The terminal eye on the wire connecting to the motor carcass terminal for the main switch coil circuit was found nearly broken off. A spot of solder was put on to strengthen it. One of the types of terminal eye which afford support to the wire appears to be desirable here and on the teazer circuit wire. Since writing the above report, the starter motor (R) has developed an earth on the main switch coil contact terminal causing the main switch to close immediately on pressing the button. It consequently causes the motor to scrape the teeth and spin up to a high speed without engaging. We are looking into the matter as soon as the undershield can be removed and the motor cover unscrewed. MAIN & AUXILIARY SWITCH UNIT. This has giben no trouble and the contact sequence remains correct. The main switch copper contacts, however, show slight slight signs of burning. | ||