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).
Typed fault report from France regarding numerous vehicle issues including oil and water leaks, and problems with the clutch, starter, and fuel system.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 11\2\ 02-page013 | |
| Date | 18th December 1928 | |
| x7941 13 To: Hs{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair} Derby Hôtel de France, Châteauroux, Indre. France December 18th. 1928. We are having a serious leak of oil from the rear crankshaft bearing. The oil drains into the clutch casing and then into the undershield. There are also oil leaks from the countersunk screws holding the camshaft housing. We are losing on an average 2 gallons of water from the radiator every 200 miles. This is being flung out through the drain pipes. If the radiator cap is removed and the engine raced up there is a moderate stream of water flung out. The oil gauge on engine case does not read correct. it shows 1.1/2 gallon instead of 1.1/4. [Handwritten note: Noted by SS{S. Smith}] The clutch is very bad for stopping when warmed up. This will have to be attended to before the car leaves here for Le CanadelHenry Royce's French residence. [Handwritten note: EFC] The starter motor is almost useless. Will you please send a weaker spring for the pinion and a stronger spring for the return of the armature. The idea being to let the pinion spring back after it hits a tooth full on or partially, and a stronger spring to make sure of the return of the armature after releasing the push button. The petrol supply pipe in rear tank is short by one gallon, that is we cannot use the last gallon of petrol. When this happens it is very difficult to get petrol sucked up into the Autovac. The speed of the engine when driven by the starter motor is insufficient to get sufficient suction for the Autovac, it is necessary to fill the float chamber with petrol. We think there should be a reserve supply of petrol in the Autovac tank for this emergency. [Handwritten note: Noted by SS{S. Smith}] The front brakes are squeaking. Can we have the extra-thick dampers which were instructed for 8-EX sent out? The n/s front spring was squeaking when we arrived here. This has now been cured by oiling through the gaiter. The mechanic joints appear to be oil retaining. We are having trouble with the oil relief valve since our arrival here. We have not as yet been able to get a steady supply of oil. We have settled down on our daily runs. J.W.Hancock. | ||