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).
Fierce clutches in 20/25 HP and 3.5 Litre Bentley models and a proposed fix using Ferodo sections.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 103\3\ scan0202 | |
| Date | 9th August 1939 | |
| Mx.{John H Maddocks - Chief Proving Officer} C. Rm.{William Robotham - Chief Engineer} Rm{William Robotham - Chief Engineer}/GWH.{George W. Hancock - Head Chateauroux}21/G.9.8.39. 20/25 HP. and 3 1/2 LITRE BENTLEY - LEAD BRONZE CLUTCH PLATES. We have had cases of fierce clutches after fitting the lead bronze linings, and also after being in use for a short time. Everything possible was done with regard to bedding, spring pressures, being correct, and in some cases going to the expense of fitting the synchromesh mod. to the gearbox without overcoming the trouble. The position became hopeless for the Depot. I therefore tried the fitting of two sections of Ferodo, as per sketch, on the pressure plate only. This was successful on eight cars, which otherwise could not be cured. It is not intended to carry out this scheme on all cars fitted with the lead bronze linings, as the condition of the car is a factor which has a great deal to do with the take up of the clutch. It can be safely left to the discretion of the Depot Tester to report upon the condition of the car, whether to resort to the scheme or not. Rm{William Robotham - Chief Engineer}/GWH.{George W. Hancock - Head Chateauroux} | ||