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).
Investigating a slipping clutch complaint, which was found to be an isolated incident due to excessive lubrication.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 66\4\ scan0043 | |
| Date | 22th April 1926 | |
| To Hs.{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair} Re EPS/H.15.4.25. The complaint of slipping clutch's referred to in the above memo appears to be rather unfounded. Inquiries in the Test Dept. reveal the fact that on only one car has clutch failure taken place due to oil getting on the friction surfaces; this was found to be due to highly excessive lubrication of the universal joint. We do not think any alteration is warranted, the present drain holes are ample to carry off any excess oil leaking from the joint. We expect to find traces of oil in the groove, that is what it is designed for, the holes drilled from this groove are plenty large enough to carry away the oil before it overflows on to the friction surfaces. We have experienced no trouble of this kind on any of our experimental cars. Production is in no way held up or hindered by it. F J Lidsey | ||