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).
Gearbox performance and modifications to the frame, fittings, and engine suspension.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 108\3\ scan0233 | |
| Date | 9th May 1938 | |
| -8- Gearbox R.7. The gears were somewhat noisy at first but quietened with running and remained good. The synchromesh was light and effective on 2nd and 3rd. and top. Third gear gradually worked out with alternate drive and over-run. This occurred throughout the mileage. Second gear came out on one or two occasions only. The gear lever rattled sideways in the gate due to engine movement. This was most noticeable when starting from cold, but occurred to a lesser degree throughout the running. The coiled copper pipe from the damper governor unit fractured. A flexible pipe as fitted on Bentley has been instructed for production. Frame and Fittings Lor.Ps.1384. 023.162 mod. to rear engine suspension. Triangular High Front Engine Mounting with T.H.1320 nose bearing and D.3/724 Support arch. etc. ZCH.279 Torque reaction damper. NOT FITTED. The new raised front mounting was satisfactory and gave no trouble. The front retaining plate on the nose bearing was dished by the pressure on the rubber. This should receive attention for production. It had no ill effects. The new rear mounting was effective in improving the general standard of smoothness but was found to impose too little restraint on the sideways movements of the rear end of the unit. This could be felt in the front seats. The torque reaction member suffered as it had insufficient resistance to side loads. A modified rear torque reaction member to 023.197 was sent out and fitted. This was effective in preventing the side shake, but deteriorated in this respect owing to the effect of heat from the exhaust pipe on the nearside rubber block. A general increase in the clearances all round is required to prevent fouls with extreme engine movements. The mock-up fore and aft stay behind the gearbox was effective but the rubbers softened and the central rubber sleeve wore through. The design scheme should be more durable. Oil resisting rubber should be used. | ||