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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).
Car (35-EX) detailing an investigation into a squeaking clutch and excessive wear on the valve gear.

Identifier  ExFiles\Box 92\3\  scan0040
Date  13th October 1936
  
To Sg.{Arthur F. Sidgreaves - MD} from Rm.{William Robotham - Chief Engineer}
c. to Wor.{Arthur Wormald - General Works Manager}
c. to S.
c. to By.{R.W. Bailey - Chief Engineer}
c. to MX.{John H Maddocks - Chief Proving Officer}

X 300 a

Hs{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair}/Rm.{William Robotham - Chief Engineer}16/KW.13.10.36.

35-EX.

Replying to sg.{Arthur F. Sidgreaves - MD}13/M.13.10.36.

We stripped the clutch on this car.
Examination showed that there was no sign of the clutch lining becoming worn out, in fact the fabric looked in very good condition. The clutch, however, undoubtedly squeaked and had a tendency to jagger. We are carrying out an investigation to see if we can determine why this is so.

In the meantime we have sent the car back to London to continue running with another clutch plate lined with the same material that is fitted to the Bentley.

We have only recently discovered how to get a smooth take-up with this material.

Apart from the clutch, we were disconcerted to find that the valve gear on the push rod side of this car had worn very badly, so much so that the tappets have become noisy. It is apparent that under continuous low speed traffic conditions the oil supply to the push rods is inadequate. The matter is being considered by the Design Dept., and modified parts will be fitted in two or three days' time. This shortage of oil has no connection with blocking up the holes on the valve side of the rocker.

Hs{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair}/Rm.{William Robotham - Chief Engineer}
  
  


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