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).
Continuation of a report evaluating vehicle components including the engine, steering, brakes, and axle.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 72\2\ scan0086 | |
| Date | 22th July 1928 guessed | |
| contd :- -2- upon. It may simply be that the clutch or damper flywheel, or some other part is not in mechanical balance. I should consider that an engine like this is very unsatisfactory. I noticed in the engine that they have abandoned our intermediate position of ignition plug. I do not know why, because we think this intermediate position to be the better one, rather than both plugs in the valve pocket. The only disadvantage of the plug in the intermediate position is that at light load the slow running on this particular plug is less perfect, however as long as there is one battery ignition plug over the inlet, this should not be any disadvantage. Therefore I cannot understand why the American engineers have abandoned our scheme. (4) ENGINE PICK-UP. The engine picks up well, probably due to both ignitions being governed. It is superior in this respect to our Silver Ghost type, in which case the magneto has not automatic advance. No doubt the Silver Ghost English type would be quite equal if the ignition control was handled with skill. It is to be regretted that the second ignition is not entirely independent as in the British, but refers to the same battery, fuse etc. (5) STEERING. The steering is fairly satisfactory as it stands, but might not be so when it wears itself free. At the same time it is imperative that the steering should be made slower - from 10% to 20% - and a larger steering wheel fitted. This we think is urgent, as the small diameter, rather think rimmed steering wheel is quite antiquated. I do not think my personal car has had such a steering wheel for 4 years. (6) BRAKES. The chassis was not fitted with rear shock dampers, or they were not coupled up. We also have grown used to driving with front wheel brakes. We now think that this chassis is positively dangerous in the hands of anyone who has been used to front wheel brakes, and there is no doubt that if the American Co. wish to succeed, this item must be included in their production at a very early date. (7) CARBURETTER. The suction noise of the carburetter is very noticeable and objectionable. The engine is fussy at less than 50 MPH.- possibly the back axle is too low. (8) BACK AXLE. My impression is that the back axle crown wheel is not quite true. The overrun shews a revolution noise. contd :- | ||