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).
20,000-mile test run of a Phantom III in France, focusing on Engine Unit No. 9.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 92\3\ scan0268 | |
| Date | 31th May 1937 | |
| 300a Rm{William Robotham - Chief Engineer}/GWH{George W. Hancock - Head Chateauroux}/IMW{Ivan M. Waller - Head of Chateauroux}/1/JAB. 31.5.37. Handwritten: Crug, Swald West, Chandler, Steadman, Martinentale, Hardy To. W.G. From Rm{William Robotham - Chief Engineer}/GWH{George W. Hancock - Head Chateauroux}/IMW.{Ivan M. Waller - Head of Chateauroux} C. Mr. Hives. C. Mr. E.{Mr Elliott - Chief Engineer} C. Mr. By.{R.W. Bailey - Chief Engineer} C. Mr. Der. C. WHS. C. Mr. Wsx. C. Mr. Cox. C. Rm.{William Robotham - Chief Engineer} C. Mr. Harvey. C. Rm{William Robotham - Chief Engineer}/GWH.{George W. Hancock - Head Chateauroux} TESTS IN FRANCE. Specification of 35-EX. Phantom III. To HPS{Horace Percy Smith - Experimental Factory Mgr}/CP.13-20-21-26.1.37 & 1.2.37. Report on 20,000 Miles running in France 27.1.37 to 5.5.37. ENGINE UNIT N° 9. Handwritten in margin: Swell - uncertain - condition of damper at Completion of test Power and acceleration remained good throughout the running. Timed maximum speed was 90-92 m.p.h. under fair conditions. Pick-up was good with no noticeable lag. Idling was good but if set for slowest possible tick-over and slow running, the engine was inclined to stall when manoeuvring. Slow running was good down to 4 m.p.h. but deteriorated at the end of the mileage. It could not be restored to the previous standard and was attributed to loss of compression. The engine was quiet and free from roar. The hydraulic tappets were deleted but a true value for the silence of the scheme could not be given owing to known deficiencies of the camshaft. Detonation was noticeable up to 15-20 m.p.h. using Esso Ethyl unless the hand control was retarded 4 to 6 notches. Detonation was not noticeable with Azur Alcohol petrol. A period at 70 m.p.h. in top gear and 50 m.p.h. in third was complained of in varying degrees throughout the running, and could be felt by the rear seat as well as the front seat passengers. It came up very badly at Derby before the car left for France. The engine always started easily when cold. When starting hot with the throttle closed it took up to five seconds to fire, and was liable to stop again unless the accelerator was judiciously used to keep it running. With the hand throttle opened to a fast idling position, it started easily at all times. Castrol "XL" oil was used. The oil pressure was maintained at 30 lbs/sq" at 70 m.p.h. and over with oil temperatures between the cooler and the bearings up to 100°c. (contd) | ||