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).
Improvements for the Phantom throttle valve, addressing sticking issues, design modifications, and related heating systems.
| Identifier | WestWitteringFiles\P\2October1926-December1926\ Scan042 | |
| Date | 6th November 1926 | |
| TO HS.{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair} FROM R.{Sir Henry Royce} ORIGINAL R3/M6.11.26. X8080 X8230 X8070 PHANTOM THROTTLE VALVE. We are anxiously awaiting your report on the improvements in the behaviour of the engine with the throttle fitted with roller bearings. You will remember that it is intended these shall in production be made of stainless steel so as to avoid rusting, caused by the moisture which naturally condenses inside and outside the induction pipe. On going into this matter we find that from our original design the angle of the throttle valve has been very much reduced until it is now only 12° away from the plane of the pipe. We think that such a throttle valve is bound to stick shut, and as it is necessary to close it right up, making a stop impossible, we shall be glad if you will increase the angle to 18°, when we think it will be found to stick less in the closed position. If it is found satisfactory we shall be glad to have it standardised without waiting for a 10,000 miles trial, as what we are sending out is not at all satisfactory. The other point in connection with this control is the valve in the exhaust pipe. I have tried several times to get rid of this valve, and suggested various alternative systems, both to the exhaust heating and to waterheating of the throttle. Something should be done without delay: this valve in the exhaust pipe has always been a source of trouble and annoyance. In addition to this we are still anxiously awaiting the confirmation of the modifications that you are proposing for the induction pipe. I should have liked these new features on the chassis I am taking to France, so that I could criticise them carefully. However the most important thing about the heating feature is when the car has to meet conditions of excessive cold: this I cannot judge. R.{Sir Henry Royce} | ||