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).
Test report on the general running of a 20-HP car, detailing improvements and criticisms.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 5a\2\ 02-page091 | |
| Date | 10th June 1929 | |
| To: Hs.{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair} From: G.W.H. X5840 Hôtel de France, Châteauroux, Indre. 10/6/29. We are very pleased with the general running of the car. It is a decided improvement over the present standard 20-HP. In criticizing, the points that one would say would be objected to, is placing them in order: Over-run vibrations from 60 M.P.H. down to 40 M.P.H.; Petrol consumption; Roar of carburetter during acceleration; Side spare wheel carrier; Thud of engine more pronounced when cold during acceleration from low speeds; Clutch too slow in stopping; Front springing too lively; Steering which is perfect other than an irritating joggle periodically; propeller shaft just fouling cross member; slight thumping of front brakes. The over-run vibrations which we have put first, we believe is a rear axle period, it has definitely nothing to do with the exhaust, also there is no sign of it on the acceleration. It does not seem to be effected by the tyres, as the tyres which we are using at the moment are the tripple studded, whereas we ran here on Silent Tread. We are rather alarmed about the petrol consumption, the average being 14.5 M.P.G. We have tuned up the carburetter to the best of our knowledge, but we cannot get a better consumption, keeping an average of 80°C. water temperature. We should be pleased to know whether this consumption is what you are expecting with this type of engine. The over-oiling is now non-existent, there is only a very slight blue vapour after running the engine light. We are still getting the oil leak from the one-shot lubrication pump on the dash. Side spare wheel carrier is too flimsy and allowed too much dithring of the spare wheel. This was pointed out to Mr. Day at West WitteringHenry Royce's home town, who promised to look into the job. He also remarked that the lower controls should have been fitted on the steering wheel. GWH{George W. Hancock - Head Chateauroux} | ||