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 and issues of a vehicle's petrol pump, clutch, gearbox, propeller shaft, and rear axle.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 113\4\ scan0067 | |
| Date | 1st February 1937 guessed | |
| -2- The output of each petrol pump unit with the U.B. air at 45°C.was represented by the following maximum speeds attainable:- Double N.S. - 82 MPH. O.S. - 78 MPH. Single 74 MPH. In Paris the U.B. air rose to 85°C. on account of the stretched fan belt. The double petrol pump worked normally but the single unit became audible, ticking regularly about twice per second. The single pump is also audible when the engine is idling; even with all pumps switched on. It has not yet been necessary to add any water to the radiator, which has no steam valve. CLUTCH The reduced pedal pressure is much appreciated and the added travel has not been complained of. The clutch has deteriorated with use, and slight jaggers are in evidence. The fingers have been re-set to try and improve this. The trunnion thrust race is becoming less noisy with use. If the clutch is slipped at all, such as would occur under quiet ordinary driving conditions, there is a strong smell from the fabric which hangs about in an unpleasant manner. The clutch is better for stopping with the deletion of the Oilite bush at the rear. GEARBOX The synchromesh is positive and very effective, but rather lumpy in operation. It is however becoming smoother with use. PROPELLER SHAFT. There are no periods, but there is a general vibration at all speeds over 65 MPH. sufficient to make the gear lever uncomfortable to touch. REAR AXLE. Free from hum. The axle can be made to dance with violent braking on choppy surfaces, but this does not seem to occur during ordinary driving even with emergency stops. The worst feature is the sideways shake of the axle. This does not affect the control or produce much movement of the rear seat, but it is nevertheless very noticeable to the passengers at the back. continued | ||