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).
Vehicle performance, carburation, suspension, transmission, and fumes in the body.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 65a\2\ scan0236 | |
| Date | 1st February 1929 | |
| - 2 - EP{G. Eric Platford - Chief Quality Engineer}6/H9.2.29. (3) Performance and Carburation (Contd). picks up much too weak. It is rather important that this feature be dealt with, as it was complained of by PN{Mr Northey} on 18-EX, (although nothing like as bad as thiscar) but he appreciated was affected by water temperature. The advantage of the water heated throttle over the exhaust heated type should be established. Distribution seems good even when cold, but there is something obviously wrong with this carburation. When one is able to obtain correct carburation, however, the acceleration at low speeds is at least as good, and definitely better over 30 m.p.h. than the Phantom. Speed and hill climbing much improved, appears to maintain lower maximum torque - good for top gear work on hills. This was confirmed by comparative acceleration tests and performances on known test hills. (4) Springing and tyres. The springing is very good and a considerable improvement over the present Phantom, and is generally similar to 19-EX car, but the rear seats do not seem to be as good as 18-EX. Submit that the Goodyear tyres now fitted appear to be softer riding tyres, even at high pressure than our present standard Dunlop tyres. These tyres also appear to be a little larger in diameter. They have the disadvantage, however, and it is considered this is a very important one, of causing tyre groan periods (Pomeroy Burton groans). (5) Gears. These are quite good according to our present standard but do not seem as good as 19-EX, or even 18-EX. (6) Clutch. The clutch is rather inclined to be "grabby", also the clutch stop is not working satisfactorily. Changing gear is rather difficult, also the change gear lever appears to get jammed easily when passing through the the quadrant. Noticeable absence of knocking and chattering in "the drive" compared with Phantom. (7) Fumes in Body. These are very bad on this car as compared with 18 and 19-EX, possibly due to faulty carburation. Should like to try again when carburation O.K. CONTD:- | ||