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).
Complaints with the engine starter clutch mechanism and suggestions for a remedy.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 34\3\ Scan048 | |
| Date | 28th November 1919 | |
| X.2641. EFC. from EP.{G. Eric Platford - Chief Quality Engineer} c. to EH. c. to Bn.{W.O. Bentley / Mr Barrington} EP{G. Eric Platford - Chief Quality Engineer}14/F28.11.19. X.3660 X.543. RE ENGINE STARTERS. X.2641. X.3034. X.3428. With further reference to my complaints in the past to the effect that steps should be taken to ensure that the starting clutch engages prior to the motor turning, I am still having a number of cases where the reverse is the case, the action seems very bad as regards the mechanism, the motor racing away, and then suddenly being stopped by the engagement of the jaw clutch. I also find that this can invariably be done on any of the present starters by gently pressing the starter button and allowing the carbon to make contact only, and it would appear that in this condition there is sufficient resistance to reduce the strength of the clutch actuating coil, and so stop it from drawing in the clutch, whereas such is not the case with the starter switch. Could not the switch be arranged so that the clutch works at least simultaneously, if possible slightly prior to the main switch relay. 2 I understand that there is a suggestion of fixing these/coils in parallel. This I feel would not overcome the trouble above complained of, unless we make the coil for the clutch much more effective as regards its strength. EP.{G. Eric Platford - Chief Quality Engineer} | ||