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).
Errors in the clutch mechanism due to engine flexibility and outlining proposed modifications.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 179b\1\ img046 | |
| Date | 1st September 1932 | |
| FROM R.{Sir Henry Royce} C. to [text crossed out] ORIGINAL R5/MS.9.32 X4027. X5300. PEREGRINE & J.{Mr Johnson W.M.} S. CLUTCH. Thank you for your memo. re. the errors in the clutch mechanism. This is an old fault which we have run into before. It has come about through making the engine more flexible in the frame torsionally which prevents our putting the pedals directly on the engine casing. In the original 25HP. we put one end of the pedal support-ing shaft into the engine casing, but I believe this was objection-able for reasons that I cannot remember, of pedal vibration or wear of the support. We are now modifying the system for all 3 of the cars we have in hand - J.{Mr Johnson W.M.} S., Peregrine, and Bensport, so that any movement of the engine will not affect the engagement, or its vibration will not affect the pedals, neither will the engine be pushed either forward or backward by this mechanism. I believe this is the only way to really cure the trouble. We shall still have to fix the engine or gearbox firmly enough to prevent the propeller shaft moving it instead of sliding in the splines - (newly discovered trouble.) This modification to the fixing we leave to you to suggest, being part of the engine work, but I think it should be done by means of fairly long roks or strips of steel, perhaps to the same portion on the frame that carries the torque reaction dampers, so that the expansion of the crankchamber does not interfere with the working of these. We do not think for a moment that the expansion of the crankchamber will affect the clutch mechanism. We are very anxious that in the design work there should be as little overlapping as possible, and shall be pleased if you will see to the engine part of the job while 'CamachaHenry Royce's office in West Wittering' provide the necessary designs for the pedal mechanism, which we hope will be ready for J.{Mr Johnson W.M.} S. and Peregrine in a few days. R.{Sir Henry Royce} | ||