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).
Engine harshness and vibration issues with chassis 129-GN during London Trials.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 18\3\ Scan141 | |
| Date | 18th August 1930 | |
| x7960 Hor C-G, FN. Hbr. Hs.{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair} EP{G. Eric Platford - Chief Quality Engineer}13/H18.8.30. re. 129-GN. London Trials. With reference to memo. C6/C13.8.30, which I take it gives us official instructions to deal with this matter. We have, since the above car arrived at the Works, been specially picking out chassis which we thought were above the average from the point of view of engine harshness etc., but in again making comparisons between these chassis, fitted with our best bodies and the complete car 129-GN (in which we were able to get Hs.{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair} to assist us) we have come to the conclusion that to change over either the chassis or the engine would not be worth while, and we should possibly run ourselves into tremendous cost and not obtain satisfactory results. Apart from a certain amount of vibration felt by the driver when picking up from low speeds under full throttle conditions, it is generally considered that the car is a good one, and even the above objection is not manifest to those sitting in the rear of the car. Hs.{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair} pointed out that the torque reaction trouble is a feature which has been having Experimental Dept. attention for some time, and although they have no immediate cure, they have had sufficient experience to realise that to change the engine or chassis so far as 129-GN is concerned, would be a very doubtful cure. We take the view that under the circumstances it is hardly worth while having this completely finished Trials car standing at Derby until we feel sure we can with confidence allot a chassis or engine which we think can be changed over to advantage. We therefore suggest that the car should be again returned to London and put into commission similar action being taken (such as was done on preceding Trials cars), special care being taken in driving the car to avoid such trouble being manifest. We consider that this vibration become less objectionable with running, as has been the case with other Trials cars. CONTD:- | ||