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).
Condition and performance report on the engine coupling, gearbox, and gearbox suspension.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 91\1\ scan0396 | |
| Date | 7th June 1935 | |
| -11- Engine Coupling.LOP. G.{Mr Griffiths - Chief Accountant / Mr Gnapp} 82471.N.Sch. 4537. Coupling remained firm throughout. Spiders and bolts were secure and in good condition. The transmission was exceptionally good for chunking, for although it was just noticeable, it was a good deal better than we have experienced on previous cars. Gearbox 6-11s. The gearbox when first received was in very poor condition. Out of the 3 syncormesh gears, the 2nd was the best but it was possible to crash that at times. Top and third synchros were more or less useless and double de-clutching had to be resorted to, in order to change quietly. The box got progressively worse, and at times it was found impossible to engage 2nd on account of the cones sticking. 3rd gear continually jumped out of mesh going down hills, this was very noticeable on the Mt. Ventoux. During the run of 7.6.35. the box seized altogether and had to be freed by removing the lid{A. J. Lidsey} and using a bar. The failure was due to small partciles of metal having become jammed in the sliding barrel splines, these had to be removed and the splines cleaned up. The top gear cones were in poor condition, having picked up badly. The cones were re-bedded and everything was made workable. since then it has been quite good, although the change speed was not positive unless given time to work. The gear lever rattled at 60 M.P.H. and was harsh and lumpy to operate. We noticed a slight oil leak from the breather hole situated under the tubular arm carrying the change speed lever. No oil was added to the box, apart from changing it when the box was dismantled. Gearbox Suspension.N.Sch. 4531. N.Sch. 4764. The front suspension has given no trouble The rubber does not appear to have deteriorated or become spongy in any way. The rear supporting sleeve also seems to be sound and the gearbox has remained firm in its mounting throughout. | ||