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 development and testing of various automotive components.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 91\1\ scan0182 | |
| Date | 1st January 1936 guessed | |
| (sheet 2) overcome the present troubles, viz. joggles and oil leaks from the steering box. We have not had sufficient experience with the stiff shaft to say that we can overcome steering shocks without pre-loading. The existing design of split steering box has shewn on the 20/25 that it will leak oil if pre-loaded. If the standard of road shock on the 10,000 miles car is considered acceptable the first cars can be produced without pre-loading and consequently free from oil leaks. (5) Jacks. This item is now progressing and the rebuild of SpectreCodename for Phantom III No.3. will incorporate a complete D.W.S. engine driven jacking system. In addition Messrs. S. Smiths and Lockheed are also fitting out dummy chassis with their systems. (6) Big End Bearings. Marine type connecting rods have been instructed to replace strap type rods. These are better than the strap type rods, which have previously failed. Development is proceeding on Hall's metal bearings. (7) Hydraulic Tappets. The main trouble appears to be due to particles of felt becoming detached from the Tecalemit filter and stopping up the oilways. It has been decided to abandon the Tecalemit filter and use plain gauze filters instead. Designs have been completed and issued for both the main pressure and tappet gear filters, and these are in process of manufacture and will shortly be available for test. (8) Electric Starter. Reports are rather conflicting on this point. We understood that on No.3. SpectreCodename for Phantom III (GWH.{George W. Hancock - Head Chateauroux}report) that after a night on a cross channel boat the starter would not turn the engine over. Subsequent tests have shewn that the self starter would turn the engine over quite well after the car had been left out all night during the recent cold spell, and also after a night in Messrs. Lucas' freezing chamber, but that difficulty in starting | ||