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).
Piston and clutch examination after a 10,000-mile test, detailing wear and corrective actions.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 82\1\ scan0306 | |
| Date | 7th December 1933 | |
| Seen E B, Seen by Xurrizan To Hs{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair}/Rm.{William Robotham - Chief Engineer} From G.W.H. Hs{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair} Hotel de France. Chateauroux. Indre. 7.12.33 I. B. IV. We have completed the 10,000 miles and examined the pistons. There are no signs of any cracks in the webbs or skirts. The split skirt appears to have collapsed somewhat, as whereas when we examined them at 5000 miles the Vee bedding was good, as they are now the bedding is at the top and each side of the Vee, the centre portion not showing, which means that the split portion has not retained its shape. We sent you the following telegram this morning after chalk testing the pistons: MILEAGE COMPLETED PISTONS EXAMINED ALL GOOD STOP CLUTCH WEAR THROUGH SHARP EDGES ON DRIVING PLATE. We dismantled the Clutch to discover the reason for the wear of the fabrics. There is no doubt this was caused by the edges of the saw cuts in the driving plate. These are supposed to be champered off, but one could feel the sharp edges left on. A pile of very fine powder was found all round the inside of the flywheel which had been ground off during the take up of the clutch during the many changes of gears. The clutch pedal has lost only 1/16" of movement during the last 4000 miles. This is accounted for by the dulling of the afore said edges, also that definately the clutch does not slip under load. We have thoroughly smoothened the saw cut edges, reset the clutch movement for further observation. The plate is not scored but has several patches of fusion spots that we usually find. We are making a general examination of the car before proceeding with the mileage. We received the two RRW carburettor needles this morning and will fit same upon resuming running. [Stamp: RECEIVED DEC 12 1933] G.W.Hancock. G.W.H. | ||