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Results of Bentley clutch tests on Porlock Hill, comparing R.R. and Borg & Beck types.


Identifier  ExFiles\Box 85\2\  scan0211
Date  25th November 1935
  
X212
To Hs {Lord Ernest Hives - Chair} /Rm. {William Robotham - Chief Engineer}
Hs {Lord Ernest Hives - Chair} /FD. {Frank Dodd - Bodies} 21/KW.25.11.35.

Bentley Clutch Tests on Porlock Hill.

We have carried out a series of tests on the above hill to determine the amount of clutch wear on the R.R. and Borg & Beck type clutches. Three cars were used, one fitted with the standard R.R. clutch, and two with Borg & Beck. All three cars were driven alternately by the Testers, so reducing any variation in the individual starts. The following results were obtained :-

| Car and type of clutch | Pedal Movement at start from Works | Pedal Movement after 10 ascents, 3 starts per climb | Pedal Movement after 2 ascents, 10 starts per climb | Pedal Movement on return to Works. Distance 450 miles inc. Hill. | Total increase in pedal movement | Amount of wear on Clutch Lining |
| :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- |
| 1-B-IV. 10" Borg & Beck Clutch | 7.4" | 7.5" | 7.7" | 7.73" | .300" | .009" |
| 3-B-IV. 11" Borg & Beck Clutch | 6.2" | 6.1" | 6.250" | 6.300" | .100" | .003" |
| 4-B-IV. R.R. Clutch | 6.4" | 6.4" | 6.760" | 6.9" | .500" | .012" |

Cars 1-B-IV and 4-B-IV were given a standing start on the 1 in 4 hairpin bend on Lynton Hill.

Clutch pedal ratios were taken from Hs {Lord Ernest Hives - Chair} /Smth.9/KW.19.11.35.

Hs {Lord Ernest Hives - Chair} /F.Dodd.
  
  
From the Rolls-Royce experimental archive: a quarter of a million communications from Rolls-Royce, 1906 to 1960's. Documents from the Sir Henry Royce Memorial Foundation (SHRMF).


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