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).
Cold chamber starting issues with the Phantom III silent tappet mechanism.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 151\3\ scan0335 | |
| Date | 11th December 1937 | |
| 1290 By. {R.W. Bailey - Chief Engineer} from Rm. {William Robotham - Chief Engineer} c. Hs. {Lord Ernest Hives - Chair} c. Mx. {John H Maddocks - Chief Proving Officer} c. Da. {Bernard Day - Chassis Design} Rm {William Robotham - Chief Engineer} 3/R.11.12.37. COLD CHAMBER STARTING. The attached report is a condemnation of the P.III silent tappet mechanism with regard to starting. It also suggests that since the P.III starter motor can only turn the engine over @ 40 r.p.m. with an oil temperature in the sump of 14°F. {Mr Friese} whilst the Bentley motor can turn this engine over at 100 r.p.m. with a temperature of 8°F. {Mr Friese} in the sump, it might be possible to use the Bentley starter motor gear on the P.III. There is no doubt that having once got rid of the silent tappet mechanism, our whole range of cars will be able to be considered reasonably good starters. Rm. {William Robotham - Chief Engineer} | ||