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).
Decision to abandon the novel Goshawk starter scheme for a simpler, pedal-operated ratchet clutch design.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 75\5\ scan0079 | |
| Date | 13th January 1920 | |
| R R 235 A (100 T) (N.F) 846. 6-8-19) G.{Mr Griffiths - Chief Accountant / Mr Gnapp} 2460 X.3616 X4250 COPY. To Da.{Bernard Day - Chassis Design} from E.{Mr Elliott - Chief Engineer} Copy to Cj. " " Bn.{W.O. Bentley / Mr Barrington} " " HS.{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair} " " Ck.{Mr Clark} X.3534. - GOSHAWK. -> STARTER MOTOR. --------------------- Owing to the possibilities that the bouncing of the engine on compressions and the growth in the oil pressure, due to the rotation of the engine by the starter motor, may cause the present novel scheme for the Goshawk starter to give trouble, Mr. Royce has decided to abandon it, and to fit a starter pedal in the centre of the dash which will put ing the main switch and allow the starter clutch to come into operation. The starter clutch which is of a ratchet type, would be always under the influence of a light set up spring tending to push it into engagement with the engine. A lever connected with the starter pedal would hold this ratchet clutch out of engagement by means of a strong spring. This is the simplest, lightest and most reliable scheme that can be applied. The pressure release ram on the oil pressure control mechanism is now no longer required, owing to the above alteration, and this portion should not be proceeded with. We shall, in due course, replace it by a simple flat valve. E.{Mr Elliott - Chief Engineer} Handwritten notes: X.3784 X.3649 X.3616 | ||