Hello all, I’m having trouble getting my (early coil) dynamo to behave. After years of satisfactory service the cut out has become reluctant to cut in and then when it does the charging rate is very erratic. It zoomed up to 15amps and jammed the needle on the ammeter on winter charge, but summer charge seems ok. If I force the cut out to close it will charge so I assume the problem is with the regulation and not the Dynamo itself, although the wire to one of the brushes is loose and just held in by friction which probably isn’t helping. 

I have the Dynamo apart on my bench, it has thrown a bit of solder due to the overcharging but looks serviceable. my inclination is to clean it up, fit new brushes and go over to 2 brush and electronic regulator. Any thoughts on what could caUse the symptoms and what I  should be checking?

Just had the dynamo checked out as the ammeter has only ever shown a discharge when operating the car. We have one of those rare breeds who knows all about old vehicles and he has not yet retired. He found one of the field coil leads was shorting intermittently and fixed that, Checked the operation of the cut-out, cleaned up the comm and the brushes and set the charge rate at about 7.5 amps. After reinstating the dynamo the ammeter still showed a discharge. Reading up notes from various clubs (Cornwall etc) one of the things that could affect charging is the small current from the ignition warning light which I had previously found to be faulty. Installed a new light and fired the old girl up. The warning light stayed on and then when I revved the engine it went brighter then blew. I then installed a spare ammeter in the feed from the battery and the generator is certainly charging. I have checked the wiring and thus far have found nothing amiss. I am running the electrics on 6V negative earth (originally positive earth). Suggestions would be appreciated.

Cheers, PeterA.

December 1939. Emergency motoring ideas. With the battery at the front, the resulting understeer must have been rather entertaining.

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Another silly question from me.

On one of the club websites it advises to dismantle the clutch release bearing on the four speed box, clean it, pack it with grease and then reassemble it. Helpfully, it fails to mention how to get the bearing apart. I have had a look, but I cannot see how to even remove it from the carrier.

Can anyone shed any light or is it a sealed unit?

Regards,

Jamie.

The spare engine. Once upon a time - a long time ago - I too could do this.

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Does anyone sell the Ruby Brake light switch spring and clips please?

Fox House Inn - Sheffield

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I've been using some carplan stuff that is mentioned in the Practical Classics write-up, for refinishing a block.
I just wondered on what others have found effective, or indeed have some found that just cleaning and stove-blacking works for blocks? I've been presuming that as parts of the block are less accessible, it might be less effective (despite personally liking the unpainted finish)

I'd also be interested to know if anyone has successfully lacquered the valve chest inner area. Was thinking that it being lighter in there might help for maintenance generally, But no idea in practice if this is a really stupid idea because of oil circulation, or other.

Good morning. Could anyone tell me when the vacuum wiper was first fitted to the Austin 7 and what type was it?

Was the Trico (semi circular) vac wiper ever fitted as standard?

Regards, Stuart

Good morning. Is there any padding between the plywood door card and the leather/vinyl covering on an RN?

Thanks in anticipation. Regards from the creative county - Staffordshire

Stuart