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).
Owner's feedback regarding a sticking exhaust throttle, various mechanical issues, and vehicle performance comparisons.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 47\1\ Scan207 | |
| Date | 7th December 1925 guessed | |
| -2- With regard to the exhaust throttle the owner complained that this sticks continually and that when it is not sticking it squeaks. He had found that the effects of lubrication to this part lasted hardly any time at all. He said that he was hoping that it would either become so free that it would no longer squeak, or that it would stick for good and always remain open. He does not like the exhaust heated carburetter and would prefer the old water heated type. Evidently no trouble has been experienced from over-lubrication. However, although no detonation has been experienced yet the recent symptoms of further explosions in the engine after the ignition has been switched off points to the existence of carbon. Mileage, 4,000. The owner saw a special tool which we have, the object of which is to hold up the valves of the 20 H.P. engines through the sparking plug holes to enable a broken valve spring to be replaced without moving the head. He will be glad if W. will supply him with a similar tool for the engine of his New PhantomCodename for PHANTOM I. The owner had bent the spindle of the low speed jet owing to catching the bonnet look against the lever arm. I told him of the device now adopted to overcome this difficulty and he proposed to fit a similar arrangement himself. It would perhaps be well therefore to send him the necessary parts for this purpose. The owner stated that he had been charged for balancing the wheels of the car. I understood that this work was done free of charge and I should be glad if W. will advise me whether he is under a misapprehension about this. With regard to the leather cover on one of the brake actuating shafts which is always burnt if the exhaust cut-out be used, the owner has cut off the burnt portion of this and has fitted a tin end to it. The owner has conducted a number of tests comparing the performance of his car with a recent type of 30/98 Vauxhall and also with a 3-litre Sunbeam and an old type 30/98 Vauxhall. These tests are obviously incomplete, and the acceleration tests are under conditions which favour the Vauxhall. The owner does not appear to be under any misapprehension in the matter, however, and is perfectly satisfied with the performance of his car. I attach the particulars which he gave me and which may be of some interest. St.{Capt. P. R. Strong} | ||