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).
Ongoing tests of Phantom II and Spectre engine tappets and the investigation into automatic tappets.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 17\6\ Scan335 | |
| Date | 30th January 1935 | |
| To Sg.{Arthur F. Sidgreaves - MD} from Wor.{Arthur Wormald - General Works Manager} Contd:-Worl2/T30.1.35. 3. Three sets of Phantom II type tappets are at present being tested out on - (a) 28-EX. This has satisfactorily completed 10,000 miles and still in service, (b) 104-MY. Sg{Arthur F. Sidgreaves - MD}'s car. It is understood these are giving satisfaction. (c) Test Bed Phantom II Unit No.BJ.55. This is being used for investigation purposes and general test purposes. 4. There are four SpectreCodename for Phantom III Engines on test, which are now in service, and presumably hydraulic tappets will be tested on these engines. In addition, useful investigation is also proceeding as to the best form of Bench testing on these tappets, which will be essential before fitting to production engines. Therefore, in view of the experience now being gained on the above units, and the additional work which will be possible when more SpectreCodename for Phantom III type chassis are available (these chassis are proceeding to be made), you will see that it is extremely doubtful if any further expense involved in introducing automatic tappets is warranted on Phantom II production, because all the experience can be obtained and I believe is being obtained in other directions. It is of course, understood that the self adjusting tappet is an intricate piece of mechanism, and efficient operation is dependent on clearances and quality work, but I believe that we have nearly arrived at the stage when sufficient knowledge is available to indicate the method of production which should be adopted to ensure maximum efficiency. contd: | ||