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).
Outlining the worst features of the 20 HP model and the proposed engineering solutions.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 57\1\ Scan291 | |
| Date | 1st February 1927 | |
| To C. from Hs. {Lord Ernest Hives - Chair} c. to Wor. {Arthur Wormald - General Works Manager} 1570 Hs {Lord Ernest Hives - Chair} 5/LG2. 2. 27. WORST FEATURES ON 20 HP. 4418 Replying to C2/G14.1.27. We agree that the order of worst features on the 20 HP. is as follows :- (1) Starter motor failures. To overcome this means a radical alteration in design. R. {Sir Henry Royce} has agreed it shall be done but at the moment no new designs have been received. The suggested scheme is being tried on EAC-V11 and if it is satisfactory on there it could be easily applied to the 20 HP. (2) Unreliability of slipper wheel. To definitely remove this fault means an alteration in design, but we are working with the object of reducing it by modification to existing pieces. This is receiving urgent attention. (3) Improvement in petrol filters. Comparative tests shew that either the Zenith or the AutoKlean filters are more efficient than our present standard, several cars are being fitted up with these filters. (4) Squeaking brakes. DA. {Bernard Day - Chassis Design} at WW. has promised a scheme for applying a damper to the front brakes on the 20 HP. similar to that used on the rear. This should greatly reduce this trouble. (5) Steering control. The new steering will be fitted to 20 HP. cars on test in March. This will be a definite improvement. We are still continuing our investigations to make further improvement. (6) Increase in efficiency. This point is waiting the attention of the designers. They realise they have this work to do but their time at present is wholly taken up with aero engine work. We are proposing to fit slightly higher compression pistons on 10-G-111 which is shortly going to France to try them out. Hs. {Lord Ernest Hives - Chair} | ||