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).
Road test report for a Phantom III vehicle, detailing performance issues during testing on Mount Ventoux.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 91\1\ scan0295 | |
| Date | 26th May 1936 | |
| E.{Mr Elliott - Chief Engineer} C6 By' LES X300a 41 HOTEL DE FRANCE, CHATEAUROUX, Indre, France. GWH{George W. Hancock - Head Chateauroux}/7/JAB. 26th May 1936. To. Hs{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair}/Rm.{William Robotham - Chief Engineer} From. G.W.H. 32.EX. - PHANTOM III. Since our last report, we carried out a further test on Mount Ventoux using Esso petrol. There were definite detonations and increased water temperature, 100°c was reached momentarily during a fast climb in third gear. At the high altitude six & seven attempts had to be made to start after resting 10 minutes. This was caused by the hot carburetter boiling the petrol. A strong mixture was emitted when engine did start. We tried removing the air silencer. The result was no better starting up with only a few seconds rest, but started up quicker after 10 minutes rest. There is not much in it. There is still trouble starting on the level after the time taken to replenish the petrol tank. The throttle must be opened half way, approximately three attempts are made prior to engine starting. During the last climb with everything hot, there were signs of the engine faltering towards the finish of the climb a feeling of petrol starvation. The temperatures were :- Water...100°c Oil Out...100°c Oil In...108°c Under Bonnet..64°c Air...11°c. The tappets could be heard most of the way up. During our run back here, tappet noise could be heard every time we slowed down, oil pressure dropped to 2 lbs. The engine is moving forward 1/4", a clip on the exhaust pipe had fouled the water pipe bottom of Radiator which when standing has a 1/4" clearance. GEAR BOX. This has become worse. There is a ball race noise developed. At times it was impossible to engage third gear, top gear crashes very bad. The third gear comes out of mesh on the over-run and is noisier. The leather cover becomes trapped when trying to get reverse or second gear. STEERING. Is definately worse, low speed wabbles are easily started and keep on for 100 to 200 yards. It feels very loose all joints having become very free. It takes 4 lbs to start and 3 lbs moving on the steering wheel. Front road wheels have become knock kneed, tyre wear on the inner edge very bad, good tread outside, none inside. REAR AXLE. This has stood up well. There is no sign of noise and is free from oil leaks. G.W.H. | ||