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).
Performance issues and attempted fixes for the Spectre vehicle, including filter overheating and gearbox oil loss.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 91\4\ scan0042 | |
| Date | 28th June 1935 | |
| Seen 7.DS X300a HOTEL DE FRANCE. CHATEAUROUX, Indre. France. GWH{George W. Hancock - Head Chateauroux}/4/JAB. 28th June 1935. To. Hs{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair}/Rm.{William Robotham - Chief Engineer} From. G.W.H. 3.S.I. SPECTRECodename for Phantom III. We have received your memo Hs{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair}/Rm{William Robotham - Chief Engineer} I7/KW of the 26/6/35. With regard to the insulated pot for the filter, it would be of no value during the long run, in the hot weather just experienced. We tried the same thing on 28 B.X. when we were in trouble, and got no change out of it. On the SpectreCodename for Phantom III, we covered the filter with approximately one inch of Asbestos pulp. It was alright until it had thouroughly dried out, then with the heat it retained and the heat carried to the filter via the pipe lines, the result (we put it mildly at 50%) we could not get running at all, and had to wait 5 to 10 minutes on the road, for it to cool down. One could keep running at 50 to 60 MPH. after cooling down, but not before. We have therefore, moved the filter to under the running board, keeping the petrol pump where it is, to see what results we obtain. We shall not obtain any today, as we have had rain and the temperature has cooled down 5°c. We are trying to get better slow running also by cutting down the mixture. We are looking into better breathing of the Engine. With regard to the Clutch, the bizur supply to the out board bearing, had been already done away with. GEARBOX. We are emptying the Gearbox of oil. Upon our arrival here, we found it practically empty and wondered whether it had been missed. We find however, that it is losing three pints in approximately 1.000 miles. The oil is pouring out of the drain hole of the damper unit drive, the drain hole situated under the front bearing. [Handwritten in left margin: STEADMAN] [Handwritten in bottom left corner: GRY.{Shadwell Grylls}] | ||