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).
Carburettor, gearbox and clutch performance for Chassis 2300.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 147\5\ scan0038 | |
| Date | 8th May 1913 | |
| COPY. C.J. from F.H.R. Copies sent to: Mr Wormald. R6/B8.5.13 Re Chassis 2300. Z.459. The carburetter was not marked in the adjustment and the low speed jet was much too strong. This, I fear, is a frequent cause of bad consumption as the engine runs so much better at slow speeds with this rich mixture and I hear of our inspectors giving the low speed jet more petrol to make the engine start better; both jets must be kept together and when necessary both should be strengthened and weakened as provided by our control on the steering column - otherwise no good consumption can be obtained. This car is geared so low that there is very little need to change gear. It was, however, observed that the third speed is quite a useful gear and can be changed into at a reasonable fast speed without double clutching and with double clutching it changes very well although one of our own drivers said that he was used to the three speed box and liked it better. The other driver who called here said that he did not know. He has not changed down once in 1000 miles with over a 2 ton car. There is no doubt that this 4 speed box does change gear easier especially to a novice who bangs the gears. By fitting this 4 speed box all drivers will bang the gears - they will not trouble to learn the double pedal synchronising way of changing. We also tested with a free clutch quite clear of oil and with the clutch brake removed, but very little improvement from a properly conditioned oiled clutch and clutch brake lightly set. I feel certain that many complaints of difficulty in changing gear come from the use of an over-oiled clutch. This often results in an overlightly set clutch brake. Some time ago we had weak springs in the clutch brake - this was right and if the clutch failed to stop it was over-oiled or the leather was flying out. Now we use a better fastening of the clutch fabric. COPY. F.H.R. | ||