The Spares Company
Club Shop/Regalia
Parent Website
Contact Officials
Machine Registrar
Club Secretary
Membership Secretaries
MPH Editor and Forum Administrator.
Section Newsletters
Technical Databases
Photos
Home
What's new
Latest activity
Forums
New posts
What's new
New posts
Latest activity
Information
Bike Modifications
Machine Data Services
Manufacturers Manuals
Spare Parts Listings
Technical Diagrams
Whitakerpedia (Vincent Wiki)
The Club
MPH Material Archive
Flogger's Corner
Obituaries
VOC Sections
Local Sections
Local Section Newsletters
Miscellaneous
Club Assets
Club History
Club Rules
Machine Data Services
Meeting Documents
Miscellaneous
Essential Reading
Magazine/Newspaper Articles/Letters
Adverts and Sales Brochures
The Mighty Garage Videos
Bikes For Sale (Spares Company)
Log in
Register
What's new
New posts
Menu
Log in
Register
Install the app
Install
Home
Forums
Forums: Public Access
Tech. Advice: Series 'B' / 'C' 500cc/1000cc Bikes
Rapide Chain Problem
JavaScript is disabled. For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding.
You are using an out of date browser. It may not display this or other websites correctly.
You should upgrade or use an
alternative browser
.
Reply to thread
Message
<blockquote data-quote="Nigel Spaxman" data-source="post: 156879" data-attributes="member: 2907"><p>I think that probably the main thing about the McDougalator compared with the Alton is it has a lot more momentum. It has a roughly 3 1/2" rotor with heavy magnets that is turning faster than engine speed around a stationary coil. That is why it needs the slip clutch to work without overloading the chain. The McDougalator does deliver a lot of power but that isn't what causes the problem with wrecking the teeth. 250 Watts is only .33 HP. If it was the continuous load from the high power output the slip clutch could only prevent that load by slipping just about all the time. I am pretty sure it doesn't slip except when there is a really sudden change of engine speed. I was warned to check the oil. The only way to do that with the standard unit is to remove it. So I wouldn't have to do that chore annually I added a dipstick. I have about 12,000 miles on it now. I hope it doesn't cause trouble with the primary chain. So far it is OK. LED bulbs are making it possible to have bright lights even with 6 volts so high output alternators are not really necessary any more. If you want electric vests and gloves though I guess you still need the McDougalator. Robert Watson's Woolly has an alternator similar to the Kubota one that the McDougalator is but spun by a small belt. I think it has higher output than the McDougalator and more momentum as well. He has used it for a long time with little trouble. The belt slips enough to prevent damage to the chain.</p></blockquote><p></p>
[QUOTE="Nigel Spaxman, post: 156879, member: 2907"] I think that probably the main thing about the McDougalator compared with the Alton is it has a lot more momentum. It has a roughly 3 1/2" rotor with heavy magnets that is turning faster than engine speed around a stationary coil. That is why it needs the slip clutch to work without overloading the chain. The McDougalator does deliver a lot of power but that isn't what causes the problem with wrecking the teeth. 250 Watts is only .33 HP. If it was the continuous load from the high power output the slip clutch could only prevent that load by slipping just about all the time. I am pretty sure it doesn't slip except when there is a really sudden change of engine speed. I was warned to check the oil. The only way to do that with the standard unit is to remove it. So I wouldn't have to do that chore annually I added a dipstick. I have about 12,000 miles on it now. I hope it doesn't cause trouble with the primary chain. So far it is OK. LED bulbs are making it possible to have bright lights even with 6 volts so high output alternators are not really necessary any more. If you want electric vests and gloves though I guess you still need the McDougalator. Robert Watson's Woolly has an alternator similar to the Kubota one that the McDougalator is but spun by a small belt. I think it has higher output than the McDougalator and more momentum as well. He has used it for a long time with little trouble. The belt slips enough to prevent damage to the chain. [/QUOTE]
Insert quotes…
Verification
The Series 'A' Rapide was known as the '********' Nightmare?
Post reply
Home
Forums
Forums: Public Access
Tech. Advice: Series 'B' / 'C' 500cc/1000cc Bikes
Rapide Chain Problem
This site uses cookies to help personalise content, tailor your experience and to keep you logged in if you register.
By continuing to use this site, you are consenting to our use of cookies.
Accept
Learn more…
Top