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).
The investigation of multiple faults on chassis 3-AZ-186 for F.W. Wilcock, Esq.
Identifier | ExFiles\Box 96\1\ scan0279 | |
Date | 15th February 1938 | |
W/S. (C). C. HS.{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair} C. SG.{Arthur F. Sidgreaves - MD} C. MR. C. Hd.{Mr Hayward/Mr Huddy} C. Rm{William Robotham - Chief Engineer}/SWdL.{Len H. Swindell} 361. BY.5/G.15.2.38. RH{R. Hollingworth}/MTAS RE: CHASSIS 3-AZ-186. F.W. WILCOCK, ESQ. Referring to the above customer's complaint in regard to chassis 3-AZ-186, when the car came to the Works I took the opportunity of examining the big ends to see what their condition actually was. As a result of the examination I was agreeably surprised, for although the car had done 22,500, and I understand the customer is a fast driver, there was only one big end that showed any weakness whatsoever, and this particular big end was not really bad but had three small places with loose metal. I therefore instructed the Repair Department to replace this one rod and re-fit the remainder. The piston blowing referring to in ER.5/LS. 7.2.38. was due to the top rings being broken on this piston. We therefore fitted new top rings to all the pistons as a precautionary measure. I am inclined to think that the broken piston rings indicate over-revving of the engine in 3rd gear, as the failure was due to ring flutter. With regard to the electrical trouble, this was the usual fault on the Phantom lll viz. that the high output in conjunction with low pressure on the contacts caused partial fusing of the same wire in its connection, the fuse in question being, of course, the one protecting the armature, which took all the output. This fuse we replaced with one of the latest type, which will be free from this particular trouble. We found the camshaft badly worn, as apparently the hydraulic tappets have been riding the cams. We therefore replaced the camshaft. As the customer had had trouble on the Continent with his petrol pumps, we arranged to fit the high pressure petrol pump system in the frame. In regard to the clutch, this was tried by different people at the Works, and no fault could be found with it. It had already been fitted with the 'Long' type plate. LA.{L. A. Archer} and Mx.{John H Maddocks - Chief Proving Officer} were satisfied that the clutch was in good condition. | ||