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).
Various component failures and issues following a 10,000-mile vehicle test in France.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 5a\2\ 02-page401 | |
| Date | 17th February 1932 | |
| X5840 S/W. Hs.{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair}..from PN.{Mr Northey} Copy to Sg.{Arthur F. Sidgreaves - MD} Wor.{Arthur Wormald - General Works Manager} RH.{R. Hollingworth} SH. Dy.{F R Danby} Hx. Mx.{John H Maddocks - Chief Proving Officer} PH.1/WT17.2.32. 18-G.4 With reference to the final report on the 10,000 miles run in France of 18-G.4. Brake Squeak. In the summary, item 6, it states that nothing has been done for the new car, other than the trial of various materials, but with little encouragement. We would like to know what date it is proposed to standardise the "H" anti-squeak device on the front wheels, also to what extent have the experiments gone in trying this device on rear wheels. Page 2. Item 10. Failure of Pistons due to Gudgeon Locking Pin. We are not clear whether the parts which caused and gave trouble were entirely standard or a modification. In the event of a modification being proposed, departing from present standard, when is it considered that adequate tests will have been accomplished ? (there will have been no 10,000 mile test). Cylinder Head. There does not appear to be any definite explanation as to what was the cause of the exhaust-valve-seats sinking, other than perhaps spinning of the springs may have caused this. If so, what steps have been taken to prevent such spinning ? Crankshaft Bearings. The unsatisfactory condition of these after the mileage is not very encouraging. It hardly seems probable that this can be attributed to the fact that with the larger dimensions and mass, the detonations can be attributed to the use of Shell Oil. Have you been able to form any further opinion on this point ? Exhaust Manifold. We are very unhappy about the inability of design to produce a scheme which will not cause serious trouble in a few weeks under touring conditions. Steering. It appears that after running 5,000 miles the cross-steering and side-steering-tube ball-ends showed a loss of friction-load of approximately 45%. Considering that a satisfactory steering, free from snatches and tendencies to wobble etc can only be arrived at by the careful adjustment of at least five features in a design, it is of the greatest importance that these adjustments shall remain "put". We should like to know what steps are being taken with a view to the early improvement of these parts, chiefly we understand, a matter of increasing the wearing surface, and making sure that the initial fit shall be as fine as possible. | ||