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).
Performance and issues with dampers, petrol tanks, and gauges.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 5a\3\ 03-page180 | |
| Date | 14th December 1931 guessed | |
| {14} Rear.Loads Set L.S. 90 lbs. H.S. 115 lbs. We had a dull thud develop in the N.S. front damper. This was found to be due to an air lock. The gauze filter had not apparently prevented a small piece of foreign matter getting into the air release hole in the valve cap, as we found this closed up, otherwise the dampers have given no trouble and have been free from audible knocks. The loading has remained consistent. The damper connecting link contacts were amply lubricated when examined. We noticed however that a quantity of dirt had entered the top cap of the links. This is detrimental to the contacts and we would recommend that leather covers be fitted. The rear dampers have been free from any audible knock and with the exception of a slight weep of oil from the N.S. gland they have not lost any oil. We found that the lever on the N.S. damper had become loose on the shaft causing a lost movement of approx. .750" of the damper lever. We were able to tighten up the nut of the bolt half a turn. This was at the finish of the mileage. The loads had remained consistent. The connecting link contacts had been amply lubricated, but the top caps were found choked with dirt. Leather covers are essential. No dampers had become loose in the frame. DUNLOP WIRE WHEELS. We have had no trouble with the road wheels and the condition remains good. PETROL TANK to E.S.8324 - 3340. 16 gall. Tank, 2.5 gall. Reserve. The increased quantity of petrol has been appreciated in so much that a range of 250 miles can be run without refilling. We noticed that the swish of the petrol can be heard in the rear seats when travelling slowly and when braking. There has been no failure or petrol tank leak observed. SMITH ELECTRICAL PETROL GAUGE. We fitted this gauge after approx. 4,500 miles. The telegauge had not given any trouble up to this mileage. The electrical petrol gauge functioned O.K. for approx. 3,500 miles, then it suddenly started to read 2 gallons short all the way up the scale. We dismantled it and found that the cause was due to the contact arm having become slack on the spindle causing it to lag. It was advanced a tooth on the bevel pinion spindle which made it read correctly. The instrument will have to be better made before we can recommend it. SIDE SPARE WHEEL. | ||