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).
The performance of the transmission, brakes, oil consumption, and temperatures.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 109\4\ scan0196 | |
| Date | 10th August 1939 guessed | |
| ( 2 ) Petrol used "Tourisme" Average Consumption 10.5 m.p.g. Oil used "Castrol XL" Average Consumption 1734 m.p.g. Oil Pressure at 90°c 39 lbs/sq" at 90 m.p.h. 7 lbs/sq" idling. Maximum Oil Temperature recorded, 107°c on Autostrada 102°c on Ordinary roads. TRANSMISSION. The clutch is an II" centrifugal type and has proved satisfactory in every way. Slight jaggers have occasionally occurred in reverse, but these can be attributed to oil of which a fair quantity has leaked from the gearbox into the clutch housing. This is a detail which requires attention. The rest of the transmission is B.V. except for a direct fourth instead of overdrive gearbox, and has stood up remarkably well to the 8-cyl. torque. The only troubles developed are working out of 3rd gear on the over-run and occasional baulking of the 3rd speed synchromesh. The box is otherwise quite satisfactory and the gear change light and positive. The propellor shaft has given no trouble, the sliding joint and universals being in good condition. A new mounting for the centre bearing is now being fitted to overcome the periods at 50 and 90 m.p.h. The semi-floating rear axle is exceptionally good, the eight cylinder torque has shown up no weaknesses, and all the original oil leak troubles have now been overcome. Castrol "XL" was used in the gearbox and Wakefield's Hi-press in the axle. BRAKES. The brakes have stood up considerably better than was expected under the conditions. The rear brakes have been doing most of the work, but in spite of this, have given no trouble apart from normal wear of the linings and drums. It is interesting to note that when the rear brakes require adjustment, and cannot be locked, it is possible to obtain the maximum amount of front braking by increased pedal pressure. | ||