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).
Recurring dynamo failures and electrical system issues on Chassis No. 3.BT-65.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 89\5\ scan0026 | |
| Date | 2nd May 1939 | |
| 261 w/s - C c. to Rm.{William Robotham - Chief Engineer} c. to Mx.{John H Maddocks - Chief Proving Officer} c. to N. c. to Hd.{Mr Hayward/Mr Huddy} c. to By/RD CHILDS BY/SB.{Mr Bull/Mr Bannister}6/MG.2.5.39 CHASSIS NO. 3.BT{Capt. J. S. Burt - Engineer}-65 - Dennis Becker ----------------- We are concerned to see in this week's Complaint Budget that Mr. Becker has had further trouble with the Dynamo on this car, the failure apparently being identical with the ones previously experienced. As you probably know, this car was fitted some time ago with a dynamo which was specially developed to withstand a continuous heavy electrical load, and we have been quite unable to reproduce any failure, even when run all day at maximum output with the headlamps blanked off. Altogether Mr. Becker has burnt out one dynamo of the previous standard type, also two dynamos of this special type. Judging from this history, therefore, it seems clear that, either there is some major fault on the electrical system which has escaped detection, or, that there are certain conditions of running which we have not yet catered for. As the car has previously been at "N" for inspection of the electrical system, it would appear that the combination of the special dynamo with regulator developed in conjunction with it, this being distinguished by a black identification mark instead of yellow, is not right for continuous high speed running under full electrical load. The regulator referred to above was developed originally to deal with complaints of run down batteries, particularly in London, and the dynamo was designed to deliver this higher current without distress. The same combination was thought to be suitable for both these conditions and high speed touring conditions, but it now seems clear we have got to differentiate between: (a) Complaints of undercharging when running about Town - in which case the new dynamo with the black regulator is perfectly all right. (continued) | ||