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).
Extract discussing the standardisation of parts following a 10,000-mile test on Car 2.EX.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 74\3\ scan0044 | |
| Date | 19th April 1920 | |
| R.R 235 a 100 T (S.F. 846. 6-8-19) G.{Mr Griffiths - Chief Accountant / Mr Gnapp} 2460. X 3530 Extract from EP{G. Eric Platford - Chief Quality Engineer}6/F19.4.20. X.3647. RE STANDARDISATION OF PARTS WHICH HAVE BEEN ON X,3743. 10,000 MILES TEST CAR 2.EX. With reference to your Hs{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair}1/LG9.4.20, our opinion on the points raised as regards recommendation for standard is as follows, having regard to the experience we are having with cars going through their routine test :- X.3657. 1. OIL RETAINING RING SOLID WITH CLUTCH RING. From our experience it certainly is essential that the internal face of the clutch ring must be finished off when it is in position on the crank-shaft, otherwise clutches are not satisfactory. I think you will agree that the clutch on the above mentioned car is very bad for "jaggers" and we could not pass this as satisfactory for delivery to cutomers. We have not had any definite trouble as regards oil leaks at the joint between the oil retaining ring and the clutch ring. X.3530. MAGNETO DRIVE. 2. X.2762. It certainly is important that the present magneto drive should be improved upon as soon as ever possible. At the same time, if you are not very satisfied with the fabric joints, and you have a better type in hand, a few more cars delivered with the present type should not make much difference. X.3538. 2. NEW AIR PUMP. We quite concur with the points raised by you, The chief trouble with the air pumps is the fit of the piston in the cylinder and if this uncommerical proposition is not overcome with the new pump, there is hardly any need for alteration. Is it not possible to procure a pump in which the close fit of the piston and cylinder is not so essential? We also do not feel happy that the present pumps remain good when wear takes place and the clearances between the piston and cyl. is increased. X.3445. 2. 4. COIL. X.3775. The experience we have had with all the present coils is that there is certainly scope for improvement, and as previously pointed out, if we can obtain a coil which is reliable and stronger, we certainly recommend its adoption Contd. | ||