Rolls-Royce Archives
         « Prev  Box Series  Next »        

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).
Mechanical failures and maintenance on a vehicle, including gearbox issues and routine service requirements.

Identifier  ExFiles\Box 144\4\  scan0125
Date  11th September 1940
  
- 2 -

Cont'd.{John DeLooze - Company Secretary} Rm.{William Robotham - Chief Engineer}S/ML.11.9.40.

Actually, at the outbreak
of war, we had six new design gearboxes approaching
completion.

Since the original gearbox
ran 50,000 miles before gear failures occurred, the
final box, which has at least 20% greater tooth
strength, should have a satisfactory factor of
safety.

MECHANICAL FAILURES.

A report was issued by Waller
dated 10.8.39, showing that the car required no replace-
ments after 15,000 miles in France. Since then, we
have renewed the water pump bearing. The rear springs
have suffered from overloading and have lost cambre
but this is due to abuse and not to use.

The hand-brake, which is of
obsolete design, is not now functioning satisfactorily.

MAINTENANCE OF TUNE & ROUTINE SERVICE REQUIREMENTS.

The engine has not been decarbon-
ised, nor have the tappets been re-set. There is no sign
of a rebore being required nor are there appreciable
piston knocks. Recently, the oil consumption has averaged
over 1,000 miles to the gallon on the Belper 'bus work.

The brake drums were skimmed out
at 30,000 miles and the linings have been renewed twice.
The petrol tank has been punctured by some unknown obstruc-
tion.

The body rattles a bit but there
has been no personnel available in the Service Department
since the war began, to give the car even normal service
attention.

- Continued -
  
  


Copyright Sustain 2025, All Rights Reserved.    whatever is rightly done, however humble, is noble
An unhandled error has occurred. Reload 🗙