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).
Clutch fierceness issues with graphite bronze facings on the 20/25 model.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 130\3\ scan0088 | |
| Date | 24th May 1939 | |
| 1110 + 1113. W/K - GWH.{George W. Hancock - Head Chateauroux} Rm{William Robotham - Chief Engineer}/NRC.{N. R. Chandler}2/JH.25.5.39. 20/25 Clutch - Graphite Bronze. Rm{William Robotham - Chief Engineer}/GWH.{George W. Hancock - Head Chateauroux}8/N.24.5.39. Fierceness is a trouble not so far experienced after nearly 1 1/2 years of successful application of Bronze replacement facings, in fact, we have always regarded this clutch as being rather near the border line for slipping, especially if the existing springs have been overheated and have lost in free length. The nominal free length of spring is 3.225, but we have often found them under 3" if subjected to heavy slipping. We would be very interested to have the following information before further investigation - (a) Were new clutch springs fitted? (b) Was fierceness experienced after a mild period of slipping i.e. the usual 'bedding in'.? (c) Was the usual tendency for initial slip observed prior to the bedding in? (d) Has a similar fierceness been observed in the case of 3 1/2 litre Bentleys? We are not aware of any change in the manufacture or specification of the Bronze facings. # Rm{William Robotham - Chief Engineer}/NRC.{N. R. Chandler} | ||