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).
Summary of recommendations for testing and implementing new automotive components including dampers, filters, pistons, clutches, and gearboxes.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 174\2\ img125 | |
| Date | 3rd May 1937 guessed | |
| 3 Crankshaft dampers of the harmonic type considered to be better than Lanchester type we are using. We must urge tests (1) On leaf spring type now ready for test. (2) Rubber type. Studebaker sample brought back. By-pass filters generally agreed far superior to full flow type. Samples now available and should be tested immediately. We do not see justification for having other than pressed steel bottom halves and timing cases if it can be shown that these are an economy. Though a stand by ignition may be justifiable, to require two plugs per cylinder is a reflection on either the oil control or the carburation of the engine. The Auto Therm Bohnalite piston manufactured by Birmals in England has established a good reputation in the States. We should urge our experiments with these. CLUTCHES. Longs have succeeded in producing a centre plate which is better than anything that we have previously tried in the P.III. The friction lining undoubtedly has a bearing on the results obtained. Samples of both the centre plate and the lining have been ordered from the U.S.A. These are available for Inskip to try in cases of complaint, and are running miles on the Trials car in America. We should try the new linings on the Bentley and 25/30 clutches. The Borg & Beck toggle spring for lightening clutch pedal pressure seems a simple and effective scheme and experiments on this should go ahead, also on the pedal arrangement used on the Dodge. The advantage of the semi-centrifugal clutch appears to be doubtful where high speed changes are indulged in. GEARBOX. The simplified synchro-mesh operation as used on the Buick should be designed into any new boxes we make. Cyanide gears are losing ground, case-hardening without distortion coming to the fore. Remote control established on the Hudson Terraplane. We should try something of the sort on one of our cars as soon as possible. Two American automatic shift boxes, the G.M. and the Stewart Warner are approaching the stage where they could be produced if so desired. Over-drives | ||