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).
Issues with stiff steering and faulty gearboxes on cars left standing, proposing a change from compounded oil to pure mineral oil.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 32\4\ Scan179 | |
| Date | 29th September 1924 | |
| COPY OF CWB11/LH{Mr Haworth}29.9.24 to EJ. It is found that in many respects there is a considerable difference in the general running of our chassis, particularly the 20 h.p. as delivered from the Test Department and as found after the bodies are fitted, which often occupies a considerable time - sometimes running into months. It can also be generally stated that the longer this period the greater the difference. One of the most important points is the steering, which appears to get steadily stiffer and stiffer the longer the chassis rests; and on opening out the wheel pivots, a generally rusty condition is sometimes found, the removal of which restores the original lightness of steering. Troubles are occasionally experienced also with faulty gear boxes, which have been definitely traced to rusty ball bearings. I discussed this question with Mr. P. at W. on 25.9.24, and our experience confirms his view that the oil we are at present using is not suitable in cases where the chassis rests for long periods in between use. He has, I understand, found that certain squawks which are sometimes present in an engine on starting, can be prevented by the use of pure mineral oil in lieu of our present oil, which is compounded, I believe from a pure mineral oil and with some animal additions, and possesses some percentage of fatty acids, or of constituents which tend to decompose with the production of fatty acids, which are considered to be the cause of these troubles. These troubles lead to considerable delay, work and expense in making good before the initial delivery of the car, and cannot help to promote the longest possible life, so that, however good our present oil may be from the point of view of lubrication when in motion - and it is agreed that a compounded oil is the best in this respect - the oil cannot be considered suitable unless it serves to protect when standing, and not to destroy, as would appear to be the case. It is, therefore, proposed that W. should be instructed to conduct a series of experiments using our present oil and the best possible straight mineral oil, so that this view may be definitely proved or disproved. It is considered immediate action should be taken as follows:- The engines of all cars standing in any of our stores or at coachbuilders, should be turned, by hand, four revolutions | ||