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).
Performance and condition report on the petrol system, cooling system, steering, gearbox, and brakes.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 125\2\ scan0181 | |
| Date | 10th December 1934 guessed | |
| - 3 - The metering of the carburettors has not shown any weak spots. The petrol consumption is high, an average of 8.3 MPG. PETROL SYSTEM. The petrol system is of the mechanical pump type, one pump supplying the two carburettors. It is situated at the front near side of the engine, being driven off the timing gears. There has been no failure of the supply due to the pump, and starting up has been readily achieved. Its situation keeps it cool, it is fairly accessible. The electric guage has been reliable and is sensitive when filling the tank. COOLING SYSTEM. The water temperature instrument is set out - COLD - NORMAL & HOT. The temperature has been consistently kept at normal, which is approximately 78°C.; the radiator shutters being sensitive, both whilst running and standing. A rattle developed from the shutters during the latter part of the mileage, which could be heard at low speeds, water loss from the system has been practically nil. There has been no movement of the radiator. The water pump drive coupling from the dynamo to the pump developed a rattle. The fibre blocks having become slack in the housings. STEERING. The steering as stated in the general remarks, is absolutely free from road shocks. It is impossible to appreciate this, except on Continental roads. Driving on impossible road surfaces hardly produces more than a slight movement of the steering wheel. With worn tyres this movement is slightly increased. It is very light for manoeuvring, but the low gear ratio makes it somewhat a labourous for traffic work. When cornering, one is inclined to over-steer. The low ratio is against quick maneouvering on corners and is bad on the uneven cambered roads. GEAR BOX. The gears crash very easily when engaging. The RR. synchromesh engagement is more fool proof. The three speeds appear to be all that is required; acceleration on second is rapid and usefully used when overtaking; getting away on first is rather erratic, the ratio being too low. The top and reverse gears come out of mesh on the over-run. The gear box is free from oil leaks. BRAKES. The brakes are not up to RR. standard for efficiency. In a case of emergency travelling at high speed, they would be of little use. The vacuum assister is not progressive and appears to loose its functioning during the retardation. If the brakes are applied, then released and applied again, a quicker retardation is obtained. The direct application of the brakes eliminates any tendency of brake thump. The adjustment of brakes, is of necessity, a depot job, as carefull adjustment has to be made to equalise them. Have to be replaced after 4,000 miles running. | ||