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).
Overheating issues, petrol supply failures, and gearbox oil leakage during testing of the S.S.I. Spectre.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 91\4\ scan0045 | |
| Date | 29th June 1935 | |
| HOTEL DE FRANCE. CHATEAUROUX. Indre. France. 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} 23/KW of 27/6/35. We are positive of the failure of the insulated petrol filter. During a sustained run, the supply completely failed. Air temperature 30°c, filter position 59°c. The pumps were racing away, but not a sign of petrol. Under the same conditions, but with the filter fitted on the O.S. of frame, under the running boards just underneath the change speed lever, Accessible, there was not the slightest sign of failure, maximum speed, maximum temperature, for 20 miles, slow down through village, no sign of failure upon accelerating. This is the severest test, as the heat under the bonnet rises during the slow down period. The petrol pump has not moved. The water boiled during this test 100°c. Oil 100°c. The Radiator is not going to be efficient enough under these conditions. Petrol boils in the Carburetter float chambers immediately the Car stops. They are surrounded with heat, and no possible chance of being cooled in the vee of the Engine. ( We have had a temporary failure of the petrol supply ) ( during this morning's run, with an air temperature of ) ( 31°c, and a temperature of 65°c at the petrol pump, ) ( with 3 gallons of petrol in the tank. ) ( The speed of the Car dropped to 50 MPH. after a ) ( sustained run of six miles. ) GEARBOX. We fitted drain pipes to the drive of the damper unit, and the front bearing. We collected 1/2 a pint of Gearbox oil from the unit drive, during the day's mileage, and approximately 5 c.c. from the front bearing. ..... Handwritten notes: Top right: seen 7.10.S Top left: 7F/# Left margin: BWNG Bottom left margin: Gry{Shadwell Grylls} | ||