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).
Failures and complaints regarding petrol pumps, carburetters, and steering.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 130\2\ scan0189 | |
| Date | 15th October 1936 | |
| (2) Hs{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair}/GWH.{George W. Hancock - Head Chateauroux}22/KW.15.10.36. (1) Petrol Pump Failures. The failure of the petrol pumps on the 30 HP. cars is getting a bad name. Recurrent failures are numerous. These failures are the result, firstly, of the position in which they are fitted; secondly, heat causing evaporation; thirdly, tightening up of the diaphragm; and fourthly, valves not bedding. New pumps received are failing just the same. The position at Depots is that so many pumps are being changed, the stock cannot be kept up. S.U's have failed in their promise to supply better diaphragms, and to deliver quieter pumps. The Design Dept. are producing a scheme similar to the Phantom III for the 25/30 HP. A pump is to be fitted to 22-G-V now running in France as soon as the position is fixed. The pump fitted to 55-EX for the London traffic test has given no trouble. (2) Carburetters. Complaints of uneven slow running should decrease with the elimination of overoiling. The slow speed setting is very critical, and must be set on the strong side, otherwise explosions in the silencer occur on the over-run. The faults starting when cold are due to the choke valve not closing. A slightly stronger spring to close the choke is being developed. The weak spot is being overcome by increasing the metering jet slightly. (3) Steering. It must be expected that complaints of steering will remain for some time. It is not possible as yet to obtain corrected cams for production, and the supplies to Depots will be limited. The steerings that have had the modification made and new cams fitted are giving good results during the short mileage they have run. The directional stability has been definitely improved by the increased lubrication to the pivot thrust. | ||