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).
Clutch performance, the variable factors causing complaints, and the testing of a new plate on a Phantom III.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 93\3\ scan0417 | |
| Date | 23th March 1938 | |
| -3- One point we would particularly stress, as a result of this and previous experience is, that a clutch carefully tested over a considerable distance, may appear to behave perfectly, and yet may exhibit grab or judder on occasion, so that in a case of complaint, it may be necessary to test very extensively before all the combinations causing the complaint are produced. The four principle variable factors are :- (1) The exact condition of the friction facings. (2) The engine speed in relation to the starting effort required. (3) The nature and flexibility of the engine mounting. (4) The Human Element, (this being very variable). Ra/HRC. After fitting a new plate the car was again tested by Rm.{William Robotham - Chief Engineer}, Hy.{Tom Haldenby - Plant Engineer} and HRC. and it was considered the best P.III clutch we have ever tried. | ||