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).
Common issues with batteries and dynamos, including charging problems, overcharging, and component failures.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 47\4\ Scan050 | |
| Date | 30th November 1925 | |
| S/W. Hm{Capt. W. Hallam - Head Repairs} from St.{Capt. P. R. Strong} c. to H.{Arthur M. Hanbury - Head Complaints} St1/IN/30.11.25. BATTERIES & DYNAMOS. In reply to your Hm{Capt. W. Hallam - Head Repairs}/NRC{N. R. Chandler}9/EW25.11.25. The large majority of the cars in my area are used chiefly on medium and long runs and no difficulty is experienced in keeping the accumulators charged. In certain cases, however, where the cars are used chiefly in towns such as Manchester, Liverpool, and Southport, external means have to be employed from time to time to keep them charged. The latter also applies in the case of most of the cars which I have seen while visiting owners in London. With regard to overcharging it is difficult to tell how much battery trouble is due to this, but in any case, except with the Phantom, the prevention lies in the hands of the driver. Battery troubles are undoubtedly common after a few years use. Except in cases where trouble is experienced in a comparatively new car, I think the majority of owners and drivers accept this as an inherent weakness and make their own arrangements for repair or replacement. Nothing would consequently be known at W. In cases of complaint of battery failure, I always advise the owners to take up the matter direct with the manufacturers. With regard to dynamos, I have come across several cases of failure to charge properly on account of the sticking of the control brush in its guide, and easing of the brush has been necessary to cure it. Hitherto I have met this only in the case of the 20 HP. car. I hope I shall not meet it in F.W.B. Silver Ghosts, as to remove this brush is in this case a matter of very considerable difficulty. St.{Capt. P. R. Strong} | ||