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).
Complaints regarding the New Phantom model, specifically over-oiling, noisy tappets, and clutch issues.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 47\1\ Scan201 | |
| Date | 3rd December 1925 | |
| COPY OF MEMORANDUM PN{Mr Northey}4/DN3.12.25. NEW PHANTOMCodename for PHANTOM I COMPLAINTS. The following are a few notes arising out of Hs{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair}5/LG1.12.25:- OVER OILING.- It would appear that the revised 'L' shaped piston rings are expected to overcome this difficulty, but as they have only recently been available there cannot be much evidence yet awhile. So far, the 10,000 miles car now on test in France, indicates the consumption of oil to be 3716 m.p.g., and in this case, there are only three of the main engine bearings to be fed instead of 7, as at present. We have one example of a car 6-MX{John H Maddocks - Chief Proving Officer} (Capt. Burt) - which we understand has been fitted with this very latest pattern at N. which is apparently commencing to show signs of over-oiling after 700 miles. In reply to your query respecting any over-oiling of 20 h.p. engines, so far owners do not appear to have complained to us specifically of ignition trouble, but undoubtedly there appears to be a tendency for decarbonisation to be required earlier than we would like in some cases or the customer might reasonably expect. The experience of the Inspection Dept. indicates that any complaint from the owner of a Silver Ghost in respect of over-oiling is most unusual. TAPPETS NOISY. Undoubtedly the consideration of being able to maintain tappets quiet, is definitely more important to Rolls-Royce than to any other automobile firm in the world for obvious reasons, and we feel that there should be untiring efforts made to improve the position. It is unfortunate that the location of the tappets in our very latest model is 'not as good as it might be' and we feel that the tendency for these tappets to stay 'put', is not as definitely good as in the case of the Silver Ghost. We do not think that we should be in any way unreasonable in expecting to obtain a degree of silence in respect of tappets with the Phantom that has been achieved with the 20 h.p. model. At present there is a material difference in favour of the 20 h.p. CLUTCH JAGGERS. We do not feel that the present position in respect of this trouble is very encouraging, because although | ||