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).
Potential improvements to fuel filling, steering, and ignition systems.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 19\3\ Scan093 | |
| Date | 11th November 1929 | |
| -7- 19. Spilling of Fuel. Loss of filler cap. As shown in rear view of car, we have attempted to prevent this and allow very quick filling by the hinged sealed cap as shown. You have had drawings of this. We much prefer this to the existing tank filler which fills slowly and does not entirely prevent spilling on corners etc. Would not rate this as an objection of first importance however. 20. Steering. We think it certain that, as the result of experience with P.II in the States, a change increasing the stiffness of the side steering tube springs will be necessary. Present steering appears to us far too sensitive to ruts, car-tracks etc., for safe use under winter conditions. The effect of a 'spongy' steering under such conditions is that when it is finally persuaded to come out of an ice-rut it springs out so violently as to throw the car at right angles across the road. However, nothing definite can be stated until we have actual experience. 21. Note on Ignition. We think it is important not to complicate the situation by discussion of the relative merits of double battery ignition with accessible battery, and present English battery and magneto combination. Evidently English magnetos have improved in silence and reliability in the last few years. On the other hand, Mr.Royce appeared fully disposed to allow us double battery ignition. Ignition troubles over the course of two or three years cost practically nothing and such few coil failures as have occurred have caused practically no trouble to owners. Therefore, we hope very much that Mr.Royce will either permit us to fit our present ignition with armoured coil and without ballast resistance, or will provide us with A.A. double battery ignition with oil-relay advance. We should make it clear that battery trouble is virtually unknown. We attribute this to - Excellent batteries carried rigidly. Accessible for frequent attention without entering the car. Simplified wiring. American garage policy, carrying out fortnightly inspection of batteries on the basis of a quarterly supplement to garage fees. Or. Enclosures. Photographs, Rear of car and Bijur accumulators. | ||