On Thu, 13 Jun 2002, Tony Duell wrote:
> At one time (1940s?) there was an idea in the UK to used a single machine
> as both the starter motor and dynamo (DC generator). It was generally
> chain-driven from the crankshaft, and I think it had separate
> windings for the 2 functions. The problem was finding a gear ratio
> between the machine and the engine that (a) let the engine turn fast
> enough to start and (b) didn't cause the electrical machine to fly apart
> when the engine was running at maximum speed.
The Honda AN360 did that. The starter/alternator was monted on the end of
the crankshaft, and the starter was virtually silent.
For the U.S. models (AN600 1970-1972), they increased the engine
displacement to 600cc (in order to bring it up to 36HP), and, while
keeping the alternator on the end of the crankshaft, switched to a
"conventional" type of starter motor.
--
Grumpy Ol' Fred cisin_at_xenosoft.com
Received on Thu Jun 13 2002 - 18:33:37 BST