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 development and testing of an overhead camshaft unit, detailing issues and proposed modifications.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 113\5\ scan0181 | |
| Date | 29th January 1937 | |
| CRS please return OK CJHall File 207 MS. from Rm.{William Robotham - Chief Engineer} MS. C. to E.{Mr Elliott - Chief Engineer} C. to Fy. C. to Dd. OVERHEAD CAMSHAFT UNIT. The attached report covers the recent work carried out on the overhead camshaft unit. As we see it, it is now necessary to get a figure of merit for the cylinder head and chain drive by an endurance test on the road before any decision can be arrived at as to whether it is worth while proceeding with further work on this design. We recommend that the minimum modification should be made to the existing experimental unit to enable this test to be carried out. We have been unable to do any endurance running on the Test Bench owing to the fact that the first unit was smashed up, and knowing that the head was going to require modification we have no spares whatever for the unit we are at present running. The internal water leak has not been worrying us since we got away from the solid copper gasket, but without risking an engine failure it is difficult to say that it has been cured. Therefore, the modifications which we recommend should immediately be put in hand to enable us to complete the road test are:- (1) The new cylinder head already designed to overcome external water leaks with any modification which can be incorporated to minimise the chance of internal water leak. (2) A new camshaft with anti-surge valve springs to suit. Rm.{William Robotham - Chief Engineer} | ||