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).
Investigation into a fierce clutch engagement issue on a Phantom III, chassis 3-BT-59.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 96\1\ scan0305 | |
| Date | 3rd March 1938 | |
| To Sg.{Arthur F. Sidgreaves - MD}.. from Rm{William Robotham - Chief Engineer}/GWH.{George W. Hancock - Head Chateauroux} c. to Hs.{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair} c. to By.{R.W. Bailey - Chief Engineer} c. to Rm.{William Robotham - Chief Engineer} c. to Mx.{John H Maddocks - Chief Proving Officer} A.R.C file 361. Rm{William Robotham - Chief Engineer}/GWH.{George W. Hancock - Head Chateauroux}15/N.3.3.38. Phantom III - Long Plate Clutch. Chassis 3-BT{Capt. J. S. Burt - Engineer}-59 - Mr Haslam. The above car came into Cricklewood on Tuesday March 1st. with an Owner's complaint of jagger and fierce clutch when hot. Our inspector Mr Chichester has been put on the car and had verified the Owner's complaint. I tried the car along with the chauffeur, and the results are; when the clutch is cold the engagement is smooth, as it becomes hot jaggers and fierceness in engagement become noticeable. When really hot violent snatches are the result. I examined the stays from the clutch casing to the gearbox and gearbox to crossmember. These were all firm without any sign of shake in any direction. There is no outward signs of anything wrong This is a case for the car coming to the Works for investigation, and arrangements were made with the chauffeur to have the car for a few days, in approximately a fortnights time - March 15th. when the owner will not be requiring the car. We informed him that possibly we should send the car to the Works. In our opinion the cause of the trouble is the rubber compound coming to the surface which when hot causes the fierce take up. The cause of the rubber compound coming to the surface is slipping of the clutch, which considerably heats up the fabric. A new centre plate does definitely cure the trouble without polishing the steel friction surfaces. On the same day Sir Sursock's car came in and I enquired from the chauffeur as to the condition of his clutch, and the reply was'very good', no further trouble. Rm{William Robotham - Chief Engineer}/GWH.{George W. Hancock - Head Chateauroux} | ||