THE DYNAMO.

Sun (Auckland), Volume I, Issue 154, 20 September 1927, Page 7

THE DYNAMO.

HINTS ON ITS CARE. WHAT YOU SHOULD DO. From a mechanical point of view there is very little that can go wrong with the dynamo, for the armature, run ning on ball bearings, only requires an occasional drop of oil, and the windings seldom give trouble. But the commutator and brashes need regular attention in order to ensure the maximum utilisation of current. As the brushes wear down the spring adjusters which keep them in contac with the commutator drum require to be regulated, and, furthermore, the brushes should be removed from their holders from time to time in order tha* the condition of the commutator may lie inspected. In course of time the surface of the commutator becomes blackened with a mixture of carbon particles and grease, this forming a conductor between the segments which causes loss of electrical efficiency and the output o the dynamo drops. In this case tin remedy is quite simple, and merely consists in shaping a small piece of wood to slip easily in the place of one of the brushes, then covering it with a strip of fine glass paper. Emery clotl should never be used. As the engine i*rotated the glass paper will remove al! foreign matter from the con.mutator. and thus allow the brushes to resume their duties in collecting all the current generated in the armature windings. The blackening of the commutator i generally due to imperfect contact of one or more of the brushes, so while the brushes are removed this point should receive due attention Loose or worn driv ng belts are often respons blc for loss in dynamo outputs, as also arc short circuits: but the latter usually require the services of an expert electrician, for the average lorry-driver is hopelessly outclassed when it comes to diagnosing electrical faults. With regard to the care of the accumulators themselves, we may give details of the principal points requiring attention, anc if these are borne in mind .’t should be possible to save quite a lot of expense in connection with upkeep. remarks apply only to the lead-acid type of battery.

Old Lady: What cemetery is this? Chauffeur: this ain’t a. cemetery* they’re milestones.