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 investigation into rapid tappet and camshaft wear on the Phantom III car.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 96\2\ scan0303 | |
| Date | 10th May 1939 | |
| 354 W/S. (S). c. Rm.{William Robotham - Chief Engineer} c. Mr. Mary c. N. c. GWH.{George W. Hancock - Head Chateauroux} (K). PHANTOM III. TAPPET WEAR. In regard to the question of the rapid wear which takes place under certain conditions between the tappets and camshaft on the Phantom III cars, we are working on a car loaned to us by Sales, and are at the moment carrying out a series of tests because we feel that there must be a simple solution of this particular issue, although it has eluded us up to the moment. In addition, we are running experiments on the test bed with the Wraith type of tappet, and the experiments are most promising. We have done a fair amount of successful running, and so far have not had any trouble from the point of view of tappets 'scuffing' on the working faces, but we have found it necessary to increase the stiffness of the tappet to overcome cracking which is taking place in the cylindrical portion forming the guide. Changes have been made, and new pieces are in hand. This would be a remedy applicable where both the camshaft and tappets were damaged beyond repair. There is a further feature, which we are investigating viz. re-current failure when the hydraulic tappets have been replaced by non-hydraulic type. This matter has been discussed with N., as we think we can give them some advice, which will be likely to assist them in this matter. BY.{R.W. Bailey - Chief Engineer} | ||