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).
List of recommendations for addressing engine starting issues, focusing on lubrication, battery condition, and starter motor operation.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 40\6\ Scan028 | |
| Date | 16th December 1921 guessed | |
| Contd. -4- all as the current even on short circuit will be insufficient to give the required torque. In conclusion, the following recommendations should be followed:- (1) Advise owner to use very thin lubricating oil in very cold weather both in gearbox and in the engine, and be sure to get out the thick by paraffin wash before putting in the thin, (which might be mineral and sperm comminded.) (2) Examine thoroughly the condition of the battery; naturally if its condition is bad it should be put right. Insulation internally and externally is of the utmost importance to hold the charge and is generally defective. Next, its internal resistance should be low so that it will give a very large current without a serious fall of potential. Its capacity judged on long periods is of little value; it must give a heavy current for a fair period; if impossible to get it from the batteries fixed on the car fresh ones should be fitted, which have low internal resistance and heavy discharge rates for short periods rather than heavy weight and great capacity for slow rate discharge. I believe nine tenths of the trouble will be found in or about the battery. Examine the battery connections, cables, and switch contact, and motor brush for loss of potential. (3) Do not attempt to turn the engine fast with the starter motor either by gear or winding, or motor field connections, because if you attempted to turn it at say 1000 revs. you could not do it at all but if at 10 you would be certain to do so, therefore, gear for slower than the maximum with a cold engine in cold weather. This was my original advice which has been departed from especially at Springfield. contd:- | ||