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).
20-HP clutch failure, discussing continued slipping, damaged fabric material, and a cracked rotor.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 74\2\ scan0372 | |
| Date | 7th May 1924 | |
| Hs.{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair} X4244 EP{G. Eric Platford - Chief Quality Engineer}21/H7.5.24. re. 20-HP Clutch Failure. (Mr. Hyde. Chassis No. 48-G-2). We have had one or two cases of complaint of clutches slipping in which we consider the trouble has been due to faulty adjustment of the clutch actuating mechanism. A recent case of this trouble was on the above car, but we found in this case even after correct adjustment the clutch was unsatisfactory, and on dismantling discovered the fabric badly damaged. We consider the cause of this trouble due to continued slipping. We replaced the steel hub and fabric material, and as requested are sending the faulty parts to you for inspection. Is it appreciated that the clutches will not stand this continued rough treatment? Although we have had several cases of the 40/50 clutches slipping, we have not known a case since the use of the present fabric material where the clutch has entirely burnt out. You will notice that the rotor appears to have been affected so that the fins are not now staggered. It also has the trouble that cracks are starting at the bottom of the slots which you pointed out had occurred in a case which you had experienced. We do not therefore feel that it will be possible to use this rotor again. After examination we shall be glad if you will pass the centre rotor on to BY.{R.W. Bailey - Chief Engineer} so that he can note the above points. Does By consider that the best is being made of clutch so far as present design + construction is concerned. EP.{G. Eric Platford - Chief Quality Engineer} E.P. | ||