One of the pronounced developments of the last two or three years has been the general adoption of various starting means for setting the engine in motion without recourse to the usual form of hand crank. Some of these motor starting systems merely replace the usual hand crank with some means of turning the motor over without leaving the seat by purely mechanical connections. Others, on 1912 and 1913 models of a few cars, depend on air pressure, while the most popular and generally applied forms to 1916 model cars depend on electricity as a source of power for a small electric starting motor. Electric starting and lighting systems have been made in many forms, though the basic principles of operation are practically the same in all systems that can be grouped in several main classifications. It will not be possible to describe all in a general treatise of this nature, but if the features of the leading systems are outlined it will not be difficult for the repairman or student to become familiar with the principle of other systems which may be slightly different only in points of minor detail. Not only are the various parts of leading systems shown, but as a result of the co-operation of the leading automobile manufacturers, the author is enabled to show the actual application of the various ignition, generating and starting units to leading power plants. While a certain amount of technical exposition is unavoidable, everything has been stated as simply as possible so readers without technical knowledge can understand the principles and method of operation, as well as location of troubles in the popular systems. The illustrations have been carefully selected and all wiring diagrams are of representative systems actually in use. The reader not versed in electrical science will find that careful perusal of the chapter on “Elementary Electricity and Magnetism” will enable him to understand many of the more technical descriptions and wiring diagrams. As electricity is used for operating many accessory devices besides the lighting, ignition and motor starting units, a chapter is devoted to the unusual applications of the electric current. THE AUTHOR. MAY, 1916. CONTENTS CHAPTER I ELEMENTARY ELECTRICITY PAGES Flow-Why Current Flows-Parts of Water Circuit-Parts of Elec- CHAPTER II BATTERY AND COIL IGNITION METHODS How Compressed Gas May Be Ignited-Early Systems—Methods of Electrical Ignition-High Tension-Low Tension-Elements of All PAGES CHAPTER III MAGNETO IGNITION SYSTEMS Magneto Generator Construction—Single Cylinder Magneto—Multiple Cylinder Magneto-Magneto Systems—Arrangement of Distributor Bosch D U 4-Bosch N U4Splitdorf-Dixie Magneto-Path of Dual Magneto System-Duplex Systems—Two Spark Ignition-Mag- netic Plug Ignition-Construction of Magnetic Plug-Impulse Starters-Automatic Spark Advance-Herz Governor Coupling- Low Tension Magneto Troubles-High Tension Magneto Faults -Locating Magneto Trouble—Magneto Contact Breaker Care- Contact Point Adjustment-Recharging Weak Magnets–Testing Strength of Magnets-How Magneto May Be Tested—Magneto Drive Methods—Magneto Installation Practice-Timing Magneto Ignition System-Typical Firing Orders . . . . . : 185 to 257 Types of Self-Starters Defined-Essential Elements of All Systems, Simple One-Unit System-Two Armature One-Unit Systems—Cir- meter-Lighting Switch-Starting Switch-Influence of Voltage on Starting Systems-Single Wire vs. Two WireType of Battery- Comparison of Two-Unit and Single Unit Outfits-Relative Effi- ciency-Generator Construction-Governed Dynamo Action-Triple Function Instrument-Double Deck Design-Flywheel Generator- Westinghouse Machines—Typical Starting Motors—Generator Driv- ing Methods—Silent Chain Advantages—Starting Gearing—Reduc- tion Gearing-Overrunning Clutches-Methods of Cranking Engine -Starting Switches—Electric Equipment Specifications : 258 to 311 Delco System Action-Delco Motor-Generator-Motoring the Generator -Generator Clutch-Cranking Operation-Motor Clutch-Generat- Third Brush Regulation—Typical Delco Systems—Dyneto-Entz One- Unit Ford System-Genemotor-Ford System-Northeast Lighting and Starting System Dodge-Northeast System-Northeast-Univer- sal System-Bijur Starting and Lighting Systems—Bijur-Scripps Booth One-Unit-Bijur Two-Unit System-Bijur Output Regulating Means—Vibrator Type Regulator-Typical Bijur Systems—Simms- Huff Single Unit System-Charging Scheme in Huff System-How Unit is Connected to Engine-Tracing Simms-Huff Circuits-Bosch- Rushmore System-De-Luxe System-Standard System-Bosch- Rushmore System Parts—Remy Starting, Lighting and Ignition Systems—Remy System Units—Remy Current Regulation-Remy Two-Armature System-Westinghouse Systems—Kemco-Fan Genera- Locating Troubles in Gray & Davis System—Ammeter Indications a Guide-Systematic Search for Faults—Locating Short Circuit- Generator Test-Starting Motor-Instructions for Repairing Storage |