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).
Disappointing petrol consumption on car 32-EX, proposing tests, and arranging further vehicle testing in France.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 147\5\ scan0138 | |
| Date | 14th July 1937 | |
| Rm{William Robotham - Chief Engineer}/IMW.{Ivan M. Waller - Head of Chateauroux} from Rm.{William Robotham - Chief Engineer} 1249 also 300- (handwritten) Rm{William Robotham - Chief Engineer}1/R.14.7.37. 32-EX. We are disappointed in the petrol consumption you are getting on your car, considering that the overdrive is in use. Petrol consumptions of 8.6 m.p.g. were obtained on 35-EX, whereas you are only getting about the same with the overdrive. We should like you to carry out a morning run using the standard type gear ratio only, and then an afternoon run using the overdrive, to obtain the difference between these gear ratios with regard to petrol consumption. We should also like to know if it is possible to weaken down the carburetter jets with the large needle valve they are sending out, and if so, get consumption with this. We shall be sending out with the Wraith a new carburetter for the P.III, which again ought to improve consumption, because it will prevent vapour coming through the jet. With regard to the arrangements for 32-EX, E.{Mr Elliott - Chief Engineer} is expecting to cross on Tuesday with the Wraith, and you should meet him at the Coast with 32-EX and change cars. We will give you some more information about the Wraith in due course. At the present moment, the engine unit with loose liners has developed a lot of vibration which was not in the standard unit, the car, however, is being sent to France to test brakes, steering, suspension, cooling, etc. The petrol supply system is not to the latest drawing, but a scheme and the necessary pieces will follow up as soon as they are available. Rm.{William Robotham - Chief Engineer} P.S. The latest information is that E.{Mr Elliott - Chief Engineer} will be crossing over from Folkestone to Boulogne on Tuesday, and the car will be coming by the cargo boat. | ||