The function of the automatic cut-out is to prevent the current from flowing back to the generator when the current production of the generator is less than the charged strength of the storage battery. The cut-out may be located anywhere on the conductor, between the storage battery and the generator, and consists of a simple electro-magnet, which is operated by the direction of current flowage.
One Unit System.—The generator furnishes the current for ignition and starting, and is also reversible to act as a starting motor. The system is referred to as a one unit system.
Two Unit System.—When the starting motor and the generator act singly, and are contained in a separate casting, the system is referred to as a two unit system.
Three Unit System.—When the generator and starting motor are located as a separate unit, and when the ignition current is supplied by a magneto, this system is referred to as a three unit system.
The Starting Motor.—The starting motor is constructed in the same manner as the generator, and is simply a reversal of action. When cranking, the current from the storage battery flows through the motor winding and magnetizes the armature core. This acting upon the magnetism of the frame causes the turning effort.
Lubrication.—Regularly every two weeks, or every five hundred miles, two or three drops of thin neutral oil should be dropped into the oil wells supplying the armature bearings and usually located at each end of the armature shaft.
Fig. 85. Bijur 2-V System Mounted on Hupmobile Engine
Care.—Regularly every two weeks, inspect all connections as a full volume of current will not flow over a loose or corroded connection. Never allow any oil or dirt to collect on the motor or generator, as it interferes with the terminal connection and misdirects the current, and the instrument soon becomes inoperative.
[Fig. 85] shows the location of the two unit Bijur electrical starting and generating system mounted on an engine. The starting motor is bolted to the flywheel housing, and is provided with a square armature shaft which carries a pinion which can be moved horizontally on the shaft. This pinion meshes directly with teeth cut in the steel flywheel ring. No intermediate gears or roller clutches are used. The control lever connects through linkage to the shifting fork which shifts the pinion on the square shaft of the motor. The same foot pedal linkage operates the starting switch. Normally a spring holds the motor pinion out of mesh with the flywheel teeth and also holds the starting switch in the “off” position.