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).
Complaints about 20-HP Slipper Drives and the proposal to replace fibre washers with Continental Bakelite discs.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 74\2\ scan0371 | |
| Date | 27th March 1924 | |
| DY.{F R Danby} c. Hs.{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair} Y4244 EP{G. Eric Platford - Chief Quality Engineer}19/H27.3.24. re. 20-HP. Slipper Drives. As discussed with you this morning, we still continue to receive complaints of engines developing unsatisfactory after the chassis is despatched owing to the weakness of the slipper drive fibres as previously reported. Trouble still appears to take place on chassis which have been standing for sometime either in storage or at Coachbuilders. As we understand that the new Continental Bakelite washers are now available, we shall be glad if you will instruct that no further chassis should be put on test and no further chassis despatched unless the fibre washers have been replaced by Continental Bakelite. We have already arranged for supplies of these washers to be sent to the Depots with the necessary instructions regarding replacement in accordance with your BY/C13/P13.3.24. i.e. this job to be carried out in cases of complaint only or when the engine is pulled down for any other purpose. In view of the continual complaints, we think this matter should receive further consideration, i.e. as to whether we should now go further and fit Continental Bakelite discs in all cases where cars come into the hands of Depots or Agents, also cars at present standing at Coachbuilders etc. and not yet delivered to owners. In any case we shall be glad if you will instruct that no further chassis are to leave the Works unless this changeover is made, also the Works should be instructed not to put any further chassis on test unless fitted with Continental Bakelite discs. In the event of you deciding that it is necessary to make this changeover on all cars coming into Depots, Coachbuilders etc. we consider at the same time as this is done we should make the modification to the spring drive as instructed by you and referred to by SFT.{Mr Swift} in his memo reference SFT{Mr Swift}7/EMM25.1.24. EP.{G. Eric Platford - Chief Quality Engineer} | ||