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).
Seeking advice on stuck clutches in cars stored for the duration of the War.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 130\3\ scan0117 | |
| Date | 24th January 1940 | |
| 1110 Rm.{William Robotham - Chief Engineer} o W/S = C: Hd{Mr Hayward/Mr Huddy}/Sd10/MW24.1.40. re: Care of Clutch on Cars in Storage. --------------------------------- With further reference to our recent telephone conversation re Wraith clutches having become stuck during transit to New York, we are attaching hereto a memo. we have received from C. (C1/C23.1.40). In this connection we would also say that we ourselves have just had to dismantle the clutch on a Phantom III chassis on account of it having become stuck so firmly, during a period of storage since the outbreak of War, that we were quite unable to free it. In view of the large number of cars now being laid up on account of the War, will you please let us have your views on the following:- (1) Is there any reason why this trouble should be confined only to cars fitted with the Borg and Beck clutch?. We hardly think so in view of our own recent experience with a Phantom III, described above. (2) Is the trouble likely to be confined to cars on which the clutch linings are attached to the centre plate, instead of to the flywheel and pressure ring? (3) Are clutch springs likely to become weak as the result of being jacked out for an indefinite period of storage? (4) Are there any other reasons which might affect the question as to the advisability of recommending the jacking out of clutches on cars which are being, or have already been, laid up for the duration of the War? Will you kindly return the attached with your reply. Hd.{Mr Hayward/Mr Huddy} AQ retd. 26/1/40 | ||