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).
Investigation into self-starter failures with suggestions for mechanical and electrical improvements.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 75\1\ scan0095 | |
| Date | 9th December 1919 | |
| R.R. 235 A (100 T) (S.F 846 6-8-19) G.{Mr Griffiths - Chief Accountant / Mr Gnapp} 2460 X 3426 EFC. c. to Bn.{W.O. Bentley / Mr Barrington} c. to EH. EP{G. Eric Platford - Chief Quality Engineer}3/F9.12.19. X.3082. RE FAILURE OF SELF-STARTER. X.3426. X.3428. X.3748. We are still having trouble with cars on test, with the engaging clutch for the starter failing to work, the motor racing without turning the engine, or engaging after the motor has raced away. It would appear that this weakness gets worse after a car has been in use for some time, and it seems very necessary that we must arrange for some different action of this mechanism, or to make it considerably stronger. On investigating a case in point, we found that the actual lift, i.e. weights suspended on the end of the actuating lever, was 2 1/4 lbs. On examining the mechanism, we found that the toggle mechanism, i.e. the steel plunger working in the brass cylinder, was dry and rusty. After this was cleaned and adjusted correctly, we obtained 3 1/4 lbs. lift. With 12 volts, consumption under these conditions was 2 3/4 amperes. Again testing with the coils in parallel, as suggested by Mr. Hives, we found that the weight lifted was 6 1/4 lbs. and the consumption was 9 1/2 amperes, and in this condition the clutch mechanism was very effective and there were no signs of the mechanism failing to act. I have brought the matter to your attention as I am quite sure we should make some alteration at once on the existing cars in this direction, and the two suggestions are:- (1) That the toggle mechanism as above described should be built up with grease, and if possible, some external lubricator fixed which will feed this mechanism (2) The coil should be fixed in parallel, or some different coils used so as to give a stronger pull. I am anxious to bring this matter to the attention of Bn.{W.O. Bentley / Mr Barrington} as I think it necessary that he should arrange for some instructions to be issued for alterations to the mechanism now being produced and also on cars already produced and on test or delivered. EP.{G. Eric Platford - Chief Quality Engineer} | ||