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).
Gearbox issues, focusing on ball race distortion, bearing lubrication, and synchromesh engagement.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 91\4\ scan0119 | |
| Date | 19th July 1935 guessed | |
| ( 2 ) Under these conditions without the rear tail bearing (ball race), we found that the distortion of the shaft, had caused it to foul, the retaining washer, left in the housing for the ball race. The washer was blue, also it had dug into the shaft. It has not made any difference to the Clutch operation with the fitting of the ball race. The Oilite bush, as we have stated, appeared to be quite alright, but we cannot say how much it has worn, as we do not know its state in the first place. We had not oiled the bearing, and as reported, we found the serrated shaft red rust. There is no means of lubricating this shaft, what holes are drilled are useless, and why the expense of turning an acme thread on the Clutch spiggot shaft for the ball race in the flywheel housing. No oil can possibly get to this bearing. We are getting 100°c in the Gear Box. Re the Synchromesh of the 3rd and top. Since the last dismantling of the box, the above Synchromesh are not operating at all. In our opinion the design of the Gear Box will give trouble all along. There is no definate datum to work from, with 80% of the mechanism fastened and built up on the Diaphram. How does one know that the cone for the Synchromesh of the top gear is in its right position, to give the necessary engagement ? At present it is not engaging. A washer between the driving wheel and ball race, would probably throw the cone further out and make it engage. It is not a production job. ------------- G.W.Hancock. G.{Mr Griffiths - Chief Accountant / Mr Gnapp} W. H.{Arthur M. Hanbury - Head Complaints} | ||