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 improvements and issues for the 4-Goshawk-11 car model, covering carburation, steering, clutch, dynamo, and brakes.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 46\2\ Scan156 | |
| Date | 12th April 1922 | |
| X4086 BY.{R.W. Bailey - Chief Engineer} from R/Hs.{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair} E.{Mr Elliott - Chief Engineer} Da.{Bernard Day - Chassis Design} PN.{Mr Northey} C. EP.{G. Eric Platford - Chief Quality Engineer} CJ. and BJ. R/Hs{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair}/LG12.4.22. 4-GOSHAWK-11. X4219 X4086 This car has generally improved and the following are further points to date. Carburation. The consumption has improved now showing a safe 24 M.P.G. on hard roads without faking, just pleasant driving - no disadvantage in speed etc. is found with the .625 high speed venturi - air lock in system quite gone by pipe without upward bend - report not yet confirmed of very variable quality of essence. Steering wheel. Sales Conference say steering wheel should have nodules or notches on the underside. My impressions is that as covered by the Dover Co. with a notch on the inside, the wheel is better and easier to make and also that it is better to handle. It seems to me far preferable to put the notches on the deeper section, - will Wks. please give me their remarks - ours being - 1. better for construction. 2. equally good, or better to handle. 3. preferable appearance. Clutch. We have had 4-Goshawk-11 up some awkward and very steep places, the clutch has worked well but hardly powerful enough to hold the engine at its best torque, we have therefore suggested 10 to 20% more spring pressure i.e. the 8 springs should give in their working position 110 to 120 lbs. with ample clearance for withdrawing and following the wear, when we pack our springs, there is not clearance for withdrawing. Dynamo. Our dynamo has so far worked faultlessly. I am quite prepared to agree to Mr. Clark's suggestion of a thinner 3rd. speed brush. I am inclined to think the Le Carbon will supply a better brush for wear than Morganite, also we must be aware of the carbon brush growing as in the case of Bijur at Wittering. Le Carbon are reported to be free from this fault which might cause the owner a lot of trouble and get R-R a bad name. Make certain before departing from my advice - try another type of Le Carbon; it should be a high resistance brush of good stable qualities. Brakes. I like the brake on 4-Goshawk-11 immensely. The very slight squeak occasionally heard is nothing compared with fitting a heavy and expensive drum, so I want to be sure, if such a drum is necessary and advisable, I am prepared to admit that my. is contd:- | ||