NORTH EAST STARTER SYSTEM USED ON DODGE BROTHERS’ CARS
The North East starter system shown in Fig. 91¹⁄₂ comprises the North
East Model G starter-generator and the combined starting switch and
reverse current cut-out. This equipment serves to start the engine and
provide current for the lamps and other electrical accessories as well
as for the ignition system. The battery as the source of current while
the engine is not in operation or is running slowly; but at all engine
speeds above 350 R. P. M. the starter-generator supplies current for
the entire electrical system.
=Wiring.=--In the accompanying wiring diagrams the starting circuit
is represented by the very heavy cables; the charging circuit, where
it does not coincide with the starting circuit, by the cables of
medium weight, and the lighting and the ignition circuits by the light
cables. As will be seen from the diagrams, the starting circuit extends
from the positive terminal of the battery to the starting switch,
and thence, when the switch is closed, through the starter-generator
armature and field coils back to the negative terminal of the battery
by way of the grounded negative starter-generator terminal, the car
frame, and the battery ground connections. The charging circuit is
identical with the starting circuit except at the starting switch,
where instead of passing from one switch terminal to the other
through the switch contactor it extends through a parallel path which
includes the reverse current cut-out and the charging indicator. The
cable leading to the lighting and ignition switch is attached to the
positive terminal of the indicator. From this switch the lighting and
the ignition circuits become distinct, and each, after passing through
its proper course, reaches the car frame and returns through it to the
source of supply.
[Illustration:
Charging
Indicator
Lighting & Ignition
Switch
Dash
Lamp
Horn
Head Lamp
Ground
Tail
Lamp
Ground
Horn Button
Starting Switch
and
Reverse Current
Cut-out
Ground
Ground
Connection
Ground
Head Lamp
Battery
Ground
Starter-Generator
Ground Connection
Fig. 91¹⁄₂. Dodge Wiring Diagram]
Without exception all the connections of the starting and lighting
system must be made as indicated in this diagram if entirely
satisfactory results are to be obtained from the equipment.
=Starter-Generator= (Fig. 92).--The starter-generator is mounted on
the left side of the engine by means of an adjustable support and a
clamping strap. It runs at three times engine speed, operating directly
from the crank shaft through a silent chain drive. Being a single unit
machine, it employs but one armature with only one commutator, one set
of field windings and one set of brushes for the performance of all of
its functions both as a starter and as a generator.
While starting the engine it acts as a cumulatively compounded motor;
but while serving as a generator it operates as a differentially
compounded machine with its output positively controlled through
the agency of a Third Brush Regulating system, supplemented by the
differential influence of the series field upon the shunt field.
The machine is designed for 12 volt service and, when driven by the
engine, normally begins to deliver current to the battery as soon as
the car speed is brought up to approximately 10 miles per hour. From
this point on, the charging rate rises rapidly with increasing speed
until the standard maximum rate of 6 amperes is reached at a car speed
of 16 or 17 miles per hour. From this speed to 20 or 21 miles per
hour it remains practically constant, but above 21 miles per hour it
decreases gradually until at the upper speed limit of the engine it may
become as low as 3 amperes.
This charging rate conforms throughout with the standard
recommendations of the battery manufacturers. The early maximum reached
by the starter-generator output provides amply for the demands of
current at ordinary driving speeds; while the tapering characteristic,
which comes into effect at high speeds, serves to protect the battery
from superfluous charging in instances where cars may be subjected to
continuous high speed service.
[Illustration:
FIELD COIL
TIE ROD
ARMATURE
FIELD RING
FUSE
RETAINING PLATE
CORK PACKING WASHER
COMMUTATOR
ARMATURE SHAFT
BALL BEARING
SPROCKET
COMMUTATOR-END
HOUSING
3^{RD} BRUSH PLATE
ADJUSTING-STUD
SPRING END-PLAY
WASHER
BALL BEARING
LOCKING SLEEVE
BEARING-CAP
FELT
OILING-WASHERS
BALL BEARING
OIL SLINGER.
CLAMP-SCREW
3^{RD} BRUSH PLATE
CLAMP
CRIMPED SPACER
COVER-BAND
SPROCKET-END HOUSING
BRUSH-HOLDER STUD
BRUSH
BRUSH HOLDER
Fig. 92. North East Model G Starter-Generator]
=Adjustment of Charging Rate.=--The third brush system is so
constructed as to permit the charging rate to be changed when desired
to a higher or to a lower value than that for which it is normally
adjusted. Such adjustments should not be attempted by the car owner
himself, and should never be made except in cases of actual necessity
where the normal charging rate does not meet the special service
conditions under which the equipment may be required to operate
permanently. In every instance where there is any reason to believe
that a modification of the rate would be beneficial, the car owner
should refer the equipment to the North East Electric Company or its
nearest branch or service station.
=Fuse.=--The fuse is located on the commutator end of the
starter-generator. Its purpose is to protect the electrical system
if possible by rendering the starter-generator inoperative whenever
abnormal operating conditions may occur. Due to its protective function
the fuse is always the first point in the system to be inspected in
case the starter-generator ever failed to produce current. If the
fuse is found to be “blown” or missing, a new one should be applied
and the machine given a preliminary test before further search for
trouble is made. Should the generator fail to deliver current even
after a new fuse has been installed or should the new fuse “blow” when
the machine is in operation, the entire electrical system should then
be inspected thoroughly for possible faults such as open circuits,
improper connections or abnormal grounds. Under such circumstances the
difficulty should always be corrected before any further attempt is
made to operate the equipment.
=Precautions Necessary for the Operation Without Battery in
Circuit.=--The third brush regulating system requires a closed
charging circuit for the successful performance of its duties. The
battery, therefore, forms an indispensable link in the system and its
presence in circuit is always essential to the proper operation of
the starter-generator. Should the machine ever have to be operated
with the battery disconnected or with the charging circuit otherwise
incomplete, the electrical system must be protected by rendering the
machine inoperative. This is to be done by removing the fuse from its
clips.
When the starter-generator thus rendered incapable of producing
current, no ignition current will be available from the usual sources.
Under such circumstances, therefore, the engine cannot be operated
without some provisional source of ignition current. A battery of nine
or ten dry cells will serve satisfactorily as a temporary substitute
provided they are used for ignition only.
=Starting Switch and Reverse Current Cut-out.=--The reverse current
cut-out is located in the same case with the starting switch. This
combined switch and cut-out is mounted near the center of the toe-board
where the switch push-rod button is within convenient reach from the
driver’s seat.