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).
Potential vulnerabilities of a push-button starter system, specifically regarding the Phantom II model.
| Identifier | WestWitteringFiles\T\2July1929-December1929\ Scan085 | |
| Date | 27th July 1929 | |
| -6- our EFC1/AD27.7.29. We know of no evidence as yet from Phantom II to suggest that this is necessary, but at the same time feel somewhat apprehensive as to the consequences of the absence of such a device on cars in customers hands. (2) Too early a reapplication of push button is sure to be made, say by a driver when flustered in traffic, when either the motor has not stopped, or the engine is still revolving. In fact damage was at first done by Test Dept. testers until they became familiar with the system. In this respect the Y. spring is definitely superior to the Z. because it allows the motor deceleration to be more nearly matched to that of the engine after separation. (3) The system is not proof against damage by driver or passenger pressing the starter button when the car is running or when the engine is running and thought to be stopped. The fact that, when the engine is warm and is turned by the motor without being started, this turning may be arrested by the dropping back of the armature, leaving the auxiliary lever over on to the hold-off coil, does not appear to be a disadvantage in actual circumstances of use. | ||