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).
Design flaws of the Phantom III petrol filter, including its fixing, pipe alignment, and union joints.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 131\4\ scan0287 | |
| Date | 10th June 1937 | |
| E.{Mr Elliott - Chief Engineer} from Rm.{William Robotham - Chief Engineer} Rm.{William Robotham - Chief Engineer} Hs.{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair} Cricklewood. June 10th, 37. PHANTOM III. PETROL FILTER in V.{VIENNA} My attention has been drawn to the flimsy fixing of the filter body to the engine. Without due care is taken when unscrewing the filter cap or when tightening it up, the two 3.BA. studs can be wrenched off the cam casing to which they are attached. It is astonishing how easily the whole unit can be turned either way. While investigating this I noticed the horrible bend that the petrol pipe takes close to the filter. There is absolutely no reason for this bend at all. The alignment of the pipe to its first clip inside the V could be made with a very slight straight forward head which should be hardly noticeable. The present pipe is a waste of time, and an element of danger from cracks. --------- The union joints of the petrol pipe to the filter are bitterly complained of by the men who have to deal with undoing and re-making these connections. They state that in nearly every case the joint leaks, and is difficult to make good. In my opinion and experience with these unions the joint can be made good first time of using, but without they are replaced in exactly the same position a ridge hardly noticeable has been made which will not allow a good joint to be made. Rm{William Robotham - Chief Engineer}/GWH.{George W. Hancock - Head Chateauroux} | ||