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).
Newspaper clipping from 'The Autocar' discussing magneto operation and the 8 HP Globe Runabout vehicle.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 4\5\ 05-page039 | |
| Date | 2nd November 1912 | |
| 796 THE AUTOCAR, November 2nd, 1912. How the Magneto Works. "That explains why I have to start the engine with the ignition either fully or almost fully advanced, but can retard it slightly when the engine is started. As soon as the car has reached about half its speed I find I can advance it fully. Below that speed the engine thumps and knocks, and I have been told to retard the ignition to stop this. I never quite know how much to pull the lever back." "That is a matter of experiment. You want to keep it as far advanced as you can, but not so far that knocking occurs. Assume you are climbing a hill on top gear and your car is gradually slowing down but has not fallen off in speed sufficiently to merit retarding the ignition. You must listen to the engine, and as soon as any signs of thumping or knocking occur you must retard the lever one or two notches, and if the car continues to go slower the lever must be moved notch by notch backwards to retard. If you think you have retarded too much, you cannot do much harm by advancing slightly until the engine just commences to knock and then retarding a notch or two just to relieve the engine. As the engine runs faster you must advance the lever. Similarly, if you have to change from a high gear to a low gear you will understand that your engine will run faster on the lower gear. You can, therefore, advance the ignition, probably fully, to cope with the higher engine speed." "Well, then, for starting, the ignition must be somewhat advanced, and the same when the engine is running fast, but as it slows down, the ignition must be retarded." "That is right, but until one knows an engine and knows how the magneto is timed, it is wise first of all to attempt to start with the ignition at, say, one-third advance. It may be further advanced should a start not be obtained, but only a little at each attempt. One soon gets to know the safe limit." (To be concluded.) The 8 h.p. Globe Runabout. A Sturdy Two-seater Under-engined, Belt and Chain Drive with Entz Electric Gears. The main members of the frame are of wood, but the engine is carried on a channel steel sub-frame. [Rest of text is illegible] | ||