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 diagnosis and repair of issues with dampers, clutch mechanism, and oil flow.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 146\5\ scan0321 | |
| Date | 12th April 1940 | |
| to the valve mechanism, could be rotated by hand and could therefore, at times, obstruct the corresponding oil passage (4 small holes) in the valve itself (the n/s damper was found to be O.K. in this respect, viz. the 4 holes drilled in the metal cap were in line with those drilled in the end of the valve. We also found that, when the valve mechanism was built up, there was no clearance between the face of the metal cap and the corresponding face of the bronze guide (see point "B" on attached sketch) whereas, on the n/s damper, there was clearance at this point. We removed the front dampers from chassis No. B.14.AW to fit to B.12.AW, but before doing so we checked the poundage as follows: Attached a weight of 20 Kgrs. to end of main levers of the n/s and o/s dampers. It took from 2 to 3 seconds for lever to complete the full downward stroke, with a 10 Kgrs. weight 4 to 5 seconds and with a 5 Kgrs. weight 6 to 7 seconds. We observed that there was a certain amount of pressure on the upward stroke, but not much. After fitting the dampers to the chassis, it was found that the car was steadier at the front and smashing was eliminated. The groan at the front of the chassis still persisted, but to a lesser degree. We removed the dampers and dismantled them for examination. The o/s damper was found to be O.K., but one of the pistons of the n/s damper was found to have partly seized (vertical score marks and high spots on piston). We stoned the piston, refitted up the dampers and the groan was found to have disappeared. The piston bores of the above mentioned damper had also a rather rough (matt) finish. Pronounced scream from the thrust bearing of the clutch withdrawal mechanism. Particles of bronze dust found near the trunnion. It is probable that the bronze ball cage has been damaged owing to lack of oil. It was observed that, when revving up the engine, the draught created by the flywheel disturbed the oil flow to the bearing to overcome this we lowered the oil feed pipe. We are going to fit a new thrust bearing. | ||