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 early stage durability testing of a Phantom III car in France, detailing issues with oil temperature and transmission noise.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 1\4\ B001_X 100a-page049 | |
| Date | 21th November 1932 | |
| X4057 R.{Sir Henry Royce} From Hs{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair}/Wa.{Mr Wallis} c. to Wor.{Arthur Wormald - General Works Manager} c. to S. c. to L. c. to Da.{Bernard Day - Chassis Design} c. to Ry. c. to Hsy. Hs{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair}/Wa.{Mr Wallis}10/HA.21.11.32. XV027 ------------------------------------------ II P.III IN FRANCE. ------------------------------------------ This car was, of course, sent over to France in an early stage of development to prove the durability of its main features under road conditions. Most of the faults mentioned below were known and the next car, which should be ready in three weeks, should be better with regard to every item mentioned. About 3,500 miles had been completed when we left France. The main features requiring further attention are:- (1) Oil Temperature. The English results have been confirmed. Over about 20 miles it was established that when running at 85 m.p.h. the oil temperature stabilised at between 105-110°C with an air temperature of 9°-10°C. These conditions probably account for the high oil consumption. (2) Transmission rattles & knocks in the drive. There are various periods which, from experience at Derby, we believe will be eliminated by flexibility in the clutch centre. The knocks at very low speeds are emphasised by the poor slow running, but appear to be worse since we introduced the additional joints in the transmission. Care was taken before the car left to see that these had the least possible slack. Tests are being continued with softer rubber in the clutch centre. Its durability is our main concern. | ||