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).
Vehicle vibration, engine noise and central oiling issues on models 18-EX, 19-EX and others, with plans for modifications.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 11\2\ 02-page058 | |
| Date | 10th January 1928 | |
| X7941 GO To: Rm.{William Robotham - Chief Engineer} From: Hs.{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair} Hôtel de France, Châteauroux, Indre. January 10th. 1928. By comparison, 19-EX car is much better than 18-EX for the movement on the front. There is no noticeable speed at which the vibration of the front of the car on 18-EX occurs, on some roads it is very bad at 40 M.P.H. We tried it at Le CanadelHenry Royce's French residence, making the fitting in the rear of the gear box tight. Hancock had changed this fitting and the car had a split bush that it could be tightened up. We could not appreciate any improvement from doing this. We discussed the whole matter with R.{Sir Henry Royce}, and there still does not appear to be any clear solution of exactly what is the cause of the trouble. As regards investigating it, it would appear the 20-HP car which may be the best car to work on because the fault on there is more acute. At the same time the alterations which have been made are few. It was agreed that we should not remove the cross, but we should replace the standard cross member. In other words, we should take 12-G4 which we have at the Works and make it into a present standard 20-HP car. The movement on the front of 19-EX is definitely worse than the present Phantom. Ds. remarked after driving the car for a few miles. Therefore it would only be a matter of time before complaints would be made. The engine vibrations on 19-EX are noticeable, and one of the most urgent jobs is to reduce the exhaust noise, in order that the engine noises can be more clearly picked out. It would appear that we shall have a certain amount of trouble with the central oiling. On both on 18-EX and 14-G4 certain points are being starved of oil. The impression is that the filter in the main drip plug has become stopped up. We have left 19-EX car with R.{Sir Henry Royce} with the promise that we shall send his own car 18-EX to Le CanadelHenry Royce's French residence in 10 to 14 days. We are bringing back 14-EX to Derby. Mx.{John H Maddocks - Chief Proving Officer} and myself expect to be at Derby on Tuesday. We are crossing over Monday morning. The 20-HP car is at present dismantled, but it is proposed to leave it out here to complete the 10.000 miles, it will then be returned to Derby. We wish to standardize the central oiling, small wheels, modified petrol tank. The alterations to the engine could be brought in when convenient. It is hoped that we shall have the Turbulent head fitted to the engine before the next Show. When 19-EX is returned from Le CanadelHenry Royce's French residence to Châteauroux, we hope to fit to it improved parts such as starter motor, exhaust system, and possibly engine fit. Hs{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair} / HS{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair} | ||